Tire safety even more important as record Fourth of July travel expected

A record number of Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July, which makes tire safety all the more important.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — June 24-July 3 marks National Tire Safety Week, and according to AAA, a record number of Americans are expected to travel for the Fourth of July.

That makes tire safety all the more important.

Gina Snider, the District 3 Communications Officer for the Georgia Department of Transportation, wants you to know what you can do in the event of a tire blowout or other vehicle emergencies.

“If you’re on the interstate, we have what you call 501,” Snider said. “You can call them and CHAMP (Coordinated Highway Assistance & Maintenance Program) can come out and help you out. But the main thing is to give you that first line of defense. They’ll give you that first line of defense of flashing lights. Cars that are speeding by can slow down while they help you with your problem.”

Snider added that the department encourages drivers to check tire tread and air pressure before hitting the road.

For more information about CHAMP, click here.

For more information about National Tire Safety Week, click here.