KumhoTires

The theme of this year's Teen Driver Safety Week, happening October 14-20, 2012, is "Share, Not Scare." The message is aimed at motivating teens to practice safe driving habits by communicating the benefits of safe driving. However, statistics issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration are hard to ignore. The agency estimates more than 5,000 people between the ages of 15 and 20 die in vehicle crashes every year in the United States, making car accidents the number one killer of young people. Kumho Tire, one of the world's leading tire manufacturers, knows the importance of keeping all drivers safe on the roads and supports the initiatives of the 6th annual Teen Driver Safety Week. To help raise awareness of the importance and real need for teens to drive safely, Kumho Tire, KeyBank and the Mid-Ohio School of Driving are giving two high school students in Ohio a scholarship that includes $500 each from KeyBank, a set of four Kumho tires and complimentary enrollment in a 2013 Honda Teen Defensive Driving Program at the Mid-Ohio School of Driving for them and a friend or relative. Entry to compete for the two scholarships is open to teenagers with a learners permits or drivers licenses. Teens may apply or find more information at www.KeyToSafeTeenDriving.com. Students will be required to share what they've done with friends, in school or in the community, to further safe driving among their peers with a 200-word essay, 60-second video or a picture with brief commentary. The application deadline is November 9. Winners will be announced November 16 and invited to receive their award at The Mid-Ohio School. An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper will serve on the committee selecting the winners, along with representatives from KeyBank, Kumho Tire and The Mid-Ohio School.

One of the winning teen's high schools will receive a free Safe Teen Driving Demo Day held during the 2012-2013 school year. The Honda Civic Skid Car - a vehicle mounted with a special outrigger system that simulates driving in inclement weather - will make the trip to the school, along with instructors from The Mid-Ohio School.

Each summer, Kumho Tire along with KeyBank hosts the free "Key to Safe Teen Driving" program for young drivers in numerous cities across the United States, every year expanding its reach. Kumho Tire stresses the importance all year long, however, of safe and defensive driving habits. Part of that knowledge, says Kumho Tire Marketing Manager and tire safety expert David Koh, includes knowing what to look for as far as potentially dangerous wear or inflation of one's tires. "Tires are the only four points of contact with the road a driver has so their condition should be optimal to keep everyone in the car, and everyone else on the road, safe," says Koh. Kumho Tire encourages new drivers to visit their website at www.KumhoTireUSA.com to find out expert tips on making sure their tires are properly inflated, have enough tread, are not cracked or have a leak and a number of other aspects that can diminish the safety of their driving experience.

Kumho Tire showcases the following acronym for young drivers to easily remember the key points of tire safety:

T - Tread Depth & Wear - Using a penny, place the top of Lincoln's head into the tread. If part of his head is covered, the tread depth is still good. If you can see all of his head, it is time to replace the tire.

I - Inflation - Check the air pressure monthly and before long trips. Poor inflation can cause premature wear, increased fuel consumption and tire failure.

R - Rotation - Ideally, tires should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. When done consistently, this helps maintain proper handling, traction and helps the driver get maximum tread life.

E - Eye Check - Inspect your tires daily for cracks, bulges, penetration, cuts and abnormal wear. Don't forget to check the tire edges for damage caused by misalignment or under-inflation.

As Kumho Tire teams with other entities to put on the Key to Safe Teen Driving program each year, professional driving instructor Steve Bidlack from the Mid-Ohio Driving School also encourages teen drivers follow these tips when getting behind the wheel:

Seating Position - With shoulders against the seat and slight bend in knees and elbows, be able to comfortably steer the wheel and push the pedals. You should never have to reach for the controls.

Hand Position - Put hands at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock on steering wheel for maximum range of motion this also keeps hands and arms away from a deploying air bag in an accident.

Mirror Position - Create a 360 degree view around your car.Side mirrors should be adjusted out until you just lose sight of the side of the car. Rear view mirror should capture the entire back window.

Use Your Eyes - Always look where you want to go not what you're about to hit in an emergency situation.
To learn more about tire safety, log onto www.KumhoTireUSA.com.