Amongst U.S drivers, a common problem ignored is tire safety. Although defective tires cause an estimated 6,000 accidents annually, the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that US consumer’s knowledge of tire safety is still minimal. The AAA study revealed that out of consumers who had a flat tire, 46% changed their own tire, 22% asked someone else to change it, and 19% called a road service provider. Furthermore, the majority of participants said they checked their tires less often than recommended or never at all. Worn tread, improper air pressure, and age are the most common reasons for tire failure. A tire that is more than five or six years old should always be replaced regardless of its condition. Photo by Leah Beane, Jaime Henry-White, Megan May, and Zac Boesch.