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In today’s digital age everything is internet search away and almost everything we ever need is on our cell phone. Cooper Tire [2] has created an app in partnership with the National Organizations for Youth Safety [3] (NOYS) designed to promote tire and vehicle safety among teens and young adults.
The new Tread Wisely app is free and available for download from the App Store [4] (iOS) or Google Play Store [5] (Android). It is full of useful tire and vehicle safety features, including:
- A unique “I Got There” feature that represents a solution to the age-old problem of worried parents pleading with sometimes forgetful young drivers to let them know when they arrive safely at their destination. “I Got There” allows users to set a reminder to contact their parents or friends once they’ve arrived, and with just a couple of touches, sends a pre-written text to any number of recipients, letting loved ones know that young drivers have made it safely.
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- A series of easy how-to videos featuring race car driver Arie Luyendyk, Jr. on topics including how to change a flat tire, what to do if involved in an accident, what to do if pulled over by law enforcement, and more.
- Reminders to complete monthly safety checks including proper tire inflation pressure, tread depth and overall tire condition.
- Rewards for performing regular safety checks and learning about vehicle safety. Users can earn points by completing various tasks within the app and can attain ever-increasing ranks for the chance to win prizes such as gift cards that can be redeemed for gasoline, food or other items. Certain actions, such as sharing the app with family, friends, and others, will also earn special badges for users.
Below is a sample of the type of videos that can be seen in the app.
“Tires are the only thing connecting vehicles to the road, and that’s why we are approaching driver safety from the tires up, hoping to make our roads safer for young people, their friends, families, and the driving public,” said Anne Roman, Cooper’s Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. “Tires are often overlooked, especially by young drivers, but are extremely important to road safety.”
“That is why we have created this new mobile app,” Roman continued. “It puts a combination of tire safety information, easy how-to videos, automatic safety check reminders, and special features together in one place and directly into the hands of young drivers to use before and after they drive—not during. Plus, we’ve built-in an element of fun and competition where nearly every use of the app can help users earn points that make them eligible to win prizes. Importantly, the content on the app is shareable, so young drivers can help those they know and love be safer too.”
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The Tread Wisely app is meant for teens and young adults, but with its game-like feel who wouldn't want to use the app.
Hundreds of Cooper employees have signed up to serve year-round as Tread Wisely volunteers, demonstrating tire safety in schools, at sporting events, churches, and other venues, reaching young drivers in the communities where they live and work.
For more tire care and safety tips, visit Cooper Tire’s website [9], and stay tuned for more tire safety tips all week long!