This is exactly the kind of matter that Congress should be looking into. It is surpassed only by Firestone's recall of 14.5 million tires in 1978. The recall in 1978 led to hearings where this Committee disclosed many of the same problems that are involved with the recall today. Then, like now, tread belt separations on Firestone tires were involved in accidents causing serious injury and deaths. Then, like now, many of Firestone's problems related to its plant in Decatur, Illinois.
Time is of the essence.
I do note that, after my letter of August 11, Firestone agreed to speed up its recall by reimbursing consumers who replaced their tires with those of a competitor. More is riding on this hearing than the reputations of Firestone and Ford. It is unconscionable that many have been placed in that situation. Consumers, therefore, have justifiably expressed a great deal of concern for their own safety and that of their loved ones, as well as a lot of frustration about the way this story has unfolded. Every day there seems to be a new disclosure fostering apprehension that Firestone may not yet have control of the problem.