Every year, thousands of drivers are involved in preventable crashes because their tires do not perform safely on wet roads. Wet braking distance and overall wet traction are two of the most important factors in tire safety, yet the United States has no mandatory federal standards that require manufacturers to meet minimum performance levels in these conditions.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, wet pavement contributes to 75 percent of all weather-related crashes in the United States. Independent testing by Consumer Reports shows that worn tires, even when they are still legal, can require up to 87 additional feet to stop on wet pavement compared to new tires. That difference can turn a close call into a serious or fatal collision.

Current federal tire standards, known as FMVSS No. 139, do not require any testing for wet braking, wet traction, or related performance in rain. This regulatory gap allows the sale of tires that may pass outdated laboratory tests while still requiring far longer stopping distances on wet pavement. Testing from Consumer Reports and Tire Rack has found that some legally sold tires require 40 to 70 additional feet to stop in the rain when compared with reputable mid-tier models that cost roughly the same.

Stronger wet performance standards would immediately improve road safety. Countries in the European Union and Japan already enforce minimum wet grip requirements and use clear performance labels so drivers can make informed choices. These policies have been associated with improvements in safety outcomes in wet conditions. The United States should not fall behind on such a basic and achievable safety measure.

Requiring a minimum level of wet braking and wet traction performance would save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce the large economic costs associated with avoidable crashes. These costs include medical bills, higher insurance rates, and lost productivity. Reputable mid-tier tires already meet strong wet performance thresholds at reasonable prices, which shows that higher safety standards are both practical and affordable.

We call on the Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to update FMVSS No. 139 and adopt modern, science-based tire safety requirements that reflect real-world driving conditions.

Every driver deserves tires that can safely stop and steer in the rain.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action from national transportation leaders. Together, we can make the roads safer and prevent needless tragedies.