Hello. I recently purchased a new Ford Escape with Continental tires in June 2003. Tire model: Continental Contitrac SUV tire model #: 235/70R16 we experienced a complete tire failure while traveling at 60 mph, with sidewall and tread separation, for no apparent reason. As you can imagine this was very dangerous and unpleasant situation, thankfully no one was hurt. The vehicle (and tires) have 5K miles. There was no load or other unusual circumstances at the time. I am writing for several reasons: 1. where do I officially report such an incident as a public safety issue" 2. where can I obtain safety ratings regarding this tire in comparison to other SUV tires" thank you, sincerely, john w. cole, md details of incident: Ford Escape tire blowout Ford Escape, purchased June 2003, approx 4900 total miles Continental tires (stock tire with vehicle) date and time of incident: 9/25/03, 8:20 pm wife and son (10 weeks old) driving East bound on route 50, crossing severn river bridge. Traveling at 60 mph in moderate traffic. Loud pop heard by wife and driver rear tire blows out. Wife and infant son trapped at far side of bridge, very dangerous situation! vehicle undriveable. Police called, set up flares, and notified tow company. Tow company stated supplied jack would not lift the truck chassis high enough to put on spare!! tow company used additional jack to raise chassis. Key issues: SUV purchased for safety purposes. Tire new, with little mileage. Blowout occurs on highway without reason. Truck with no load, less passengers, at the time. Tire jack did not work adequately. Extremely dangerous situation! if this had of been a front tire, vehicle may have rolled?

- Baltimore, MD, USA