Letter: Replace faulty tires immediately

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000 | 10:09 a.m.

Firestone and/or Ford is evidently at fault, according to the latest results. The tire is separating where a recap normally separates. Speed, heat from friction and air pressure build-up from heat also contribute to some of these rollovers.

You can bring a vehicle to a safe stop if not driving at a high speed. Driving over 50 mph makes any vehicle 75 percent uncontrollable when losing a tire, but still driving over 35 mph with tires on a recall list makes it insane.

Park it till your replacements are in, or if your vehicle is that essential to you, buy new ones immediately. I believe Firestone has offered to give a voucher to buy what you want.

You're playing the odds with death or injury if driving while waiting for replacements because of either a money factor or having the idea that if it's Firestone or Ford's fault, you expect a lawyer will get you off the hook in case of an accident.

You have had many weeks' notification of the problem, which makes you at fault.

CHARLES A. HAGEN

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