Lawmaker wants age of tires disclosed

SAN FRANCISCO

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Ron Moreno Jr. blames an old tire for the 2006 death of his 10-year-old brother. He says a sales person told him to use his spare.

"I was like, 'why is that,' he says, 'it's a brand new tire,' ok, well if he says its fine I mean he's a tire guy, I'm guessing that's why then," Moreno said.

That tire turned out to be 12-years-old.

Last year's hidden camera investigation found tires manufactured six to 10 years ago on sale in both new and used tire shops in the Bay Area.

Sean Kane of Safety Research and Strategies blames such tires on accidents nationwide that have caused 139 fatalities and 192 injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety administration says tire aging is a serious safety issue.

A Chrysler owner's manual says, "tires and spare tires should be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining tread."

Assemblyman Mike Davis of Los Angeles wants the age of a tire disclosed before it is sold.

"And through that process , we will have raised the awareness among those of us who are buying tires and our hope is that we know six years or more is more of a risk, so that would limit the opportunity for a terrible incident," Davis said.

The Rubber Manufactures Association opposes the bill. A spokesman says it is just a gift to trial lawyers to create an opportunity to sue people.

Davis pulled his bill from a committee hearing Tuesday, saying he wanted to add a provision requiring the tire age disclosure form be available in several languages.

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