Michelin North America has joined the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) to announce the beginning of National Tire Safety Week, which continues through Memorial Day, May 28. This year's theme, "Know Your Roll," will educate consumers about proper tire care and maintenance, including the often-hidden danger of unsafe used tires.

"In a recent survey, Michelin found that 4 in 10 teens in seven major U.S. cities are driving on unsafe tires," said Scott Clark, chairman and president of Michelin North America. "This is a serious threat to everyone's safety, because we all share the road."

"Safety is our industry's number one priority," said Anne Forristall Luke, president and CEO of USTMA. "This week, positioned at the start of summer travel, is a great opportunity for our member companies and partners to connect with motorists about proper tire care and maintenance. Additionally, USTMA wants to be sure consumers understand the potential dangers of purchasing and driving on unsafe used tires."

To address this serious threat to the nation's youngest drivers, Michelin announced earlier this month an expansion of the Beyond the Driving Test program. In this new phase, Michelin aims to reach 1 million teen drivers with its #StreetTreadContest. To tell the story and motivate young drivers to take action, youth culture brand Vans collaborated with Michelin to design limited-edition versions of Vans Classic Sk8-Hi and Old Skool shoes.

Teens can acquire one of the limited-edition, Michelin brand-inspired Vans, by proving their "street tread:" sharing a photo that shows they know how to check a tire's tread depth using a penny or know how to check tire pressure. To learn about critical tire safety-checks and to enter the #StreetTreadContest for a pair of limited-edition Vans, visit www.BeyondtheDrivingTest.com/StreetTread.

Tagged: beyond the driving test

Michelin joins USTMA's National Tire Safety Week