The purpose of this consumer research is to provide critical information that will allow NHTSA to fulfill its role in developing a new replacement tire rating system and educating consumers about tire maintenance and replacement tires, as mandated by the EISA. Specifically, the data from this collection will be used to: 1) inform the rating system chosen to communicate a tire's fuel efficiency (rolling resistance), safety (wet traction), and durability (tread wear), and 2) guide the development of a consumer education program related to these issues.
The findings from this proposed research will assist NHTSA in ensuring that the ratings are comprehended by consumers. NHTSA will use the findings to help develop relevant and effective consumer education efforts to increase awareness and comprehension of tire issues.
Ms. Chandana Achanta
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Office of Management and Budget Washington, DC 20503
Dear Ms. Achanta:
Pursuant to Office of Management and Budget procedures established at 5 CFR Part 1320, Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public, I ask that the following collection of information, "Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program, Consumer Survey" be processed pursuant to section 1320.13
Emergency processing.
I have determined that this information must be collected prior to the expiration of time periods established under Part 1320, and that this information is essential to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) mission to establish a national tire fuel efficiency consumer information program for replacement tires designed for use on motor vehicles to educate consumers about the effect of tires on automobile fuel efficiency, safety, and durability. As discussed in detail in the agency's Supporting Statement Part A for this collection of information, the tire fuel efficiency consumer information program is being developed in accordance with the requirements of Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), and the quantitative consumer research that is the subject of this ICR is essential to establish the program and fulfill the statutory mandate.
The statutory deadline for establishing this program was December 1, 2009. NHTSA has already missed this deadline. In addition, the agency cannot reasonably comply with the normal ICR clearance procedures without further delaying the establishment of the program and the benefits to automobile fuel economy, safety, and durability that the program is intended to have.
Please approve or disapprove the collection of information by October 31, 2011.
As you are aware, NHTSA has taken all practicable steps to consult with other agencies and members of the public in order to minimize the burden of this collection of information. These efforts are described in detail in the Supporting Statement Part A under A8.
Sincerely yours,
Gregory A. Walter
Senior Associate Administrator,
Policy and OPerations
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form NHTSA Form Number NHTSA Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program Survey Research Plan
Appendix H - NHTSA Tire Label Edits 10-24-11 v1.pdf
Appendix B-Tires Fuel Efficiency Questionnaire 10-31-2011.docx
Appendix E_RMAPUB~1_100311.pptx
NHTSA Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program Survey Research Plan