Scow vehicle crash caused by split of recalled tire

Jeffrey Libby

Monday, Aug. 14, 2000 | 10:55 a.m.

News reports became a terrifying reality for Clark County School Board President Mary Beth Scow Saturday afternoon when a Firestone Wilderness AT tire on her 1998 Ford Explorer separated on U.S. 95, causing the sport utility vehicle to crash.

The tire split sent the SUV across three lanes of traffic and into a concrete barrier, catapulting the vehicle 30 feet before it landed upside down and slid another 20 feet.

Scow, two daughters and two neighbors traveling with her, escaped from the damaged vehicle with minor bruises and abrasions. All five passengers were wearing seat belts. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

According to Scow, a doctor who stopped to assist at the crash scene said he witnessed the tire split.

"I consider it a miracle," said Scow, who was on her way to see one of her daughters sing at the Reed Whipple Cultural Center. "I'd read about the recall. You think it happens to people far away. But it's here. Hopefully this will increase awareness."

Just back from a vacation, Scow had not yet checked her tires and was unaware she was driving with one of three tire models that have been associated with 46 deaths in recent months.

Bridgestone-Firestone has initiated a massive recall of ATX, ATX2 and Wilderness AT tires with a three-tiered replacement plan.

Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa wrote the tire company Friday, demanding that it move Nevada from the second tier to the first tier of states to have recalled tires replaced.

"The temperature in Las Vegas, Nevada, has averaged over 100 degrees for the past five weeks, comparable if not higher than the states presently listed in tier one," Del Papa wrote.

The states of first priority include Texas, California, Arizona and Florida. The tire company listed Nevada in the second tier with Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Del Papa threatened legal recourse if the company failed to respond to the state's satisfaction by Aug. 21.

After Saturday's accident, Scow's concerns were more circumspect and less easily voiced.

"We came home and we just sat together," she said. "You just realize how important your family is."