As National Teen Driver Safety Week approaches in October, a Georgia father is on a mission to address a deadly risk that many teens and parents overlook: unsafe tires. Alex Bebiak founded the Road Ready Foundation after losing his 19-year-old son, Jackson, in a preventable tire-related crash. The foundation aims to educate teens and parents about basic tire safety and the importance of regular inspections.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, approximately 33,000 car crashes each year in the U.S. are directly linked to tire-related issues such as tread separation, blowouts, worn or bald tires and improper inflation. These preventable incidents contribute to over 700 lives being lost annually. Bebiak’s story is a stark reminder of this silent threat.
Based on what Bebiak has seen at the high schools he visits, three out of 10 teenagers are driving on unsafe tires. A Michelin study found that 43% of teens have never checked their tire tread depth, and 32% have never checked tire pressure. These statistics underscore the need for education on tire maintenance.
The Road Ready Foundation promotes the three “I’s” as a guide to tire safety: inspect the tread, inflate/check tire pressure, and install properly and in a timely manner. A simple tool the foundation recommends is the quarter test, which helps determine if tread depth is safe. By placing a quarter into the tread grooves, drivers can quickly assess whether their tires need replacement.
Bebiak’s emotional message resonates with audiences, offering practical solutions to prevent tragedies. Local media has taken an interest, with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently covering the foundation’s work. Bebiak hopes to empower families with knowledge that can save lives.
As National Teen Driver Safety Week nears, Bebiak’s mission is more critical than ever. By raising awareness about tire safety, the Road Ready Foundation aims to reduce the number of crashes caused by neglected tires and prevent other families from experiencing similar loss.
