Meet the Safe Tread Alliance Committee
The Safe Tread Alliance (STA) Committee brings together leaders from across the automotive, legal, safety, and advocacy sectors—united by one mission: to improve tire safety standards and prevent avoidable tragedies on our roads. Each member contributes unique expertise, from policy and engineering to legal advocacy and public education, helping drive the 4/32 Initiative forward and create meaningful, life-saving change.
Committee Members
Alex Bebiak
(alex@safetread.org)
Co-Founder, Safe Tread Alliance (STA)
President, Road Ready Foundation
Leading the charge in memory of Jackson, Alex directs the program’s vision, national advocacy efforts, and strategic partnerships to advance tire safety reform.
Jamie Ward
(jamie@safetread.org)
Co-Founder, Safe Tread Alliance (STA)
President, Ohio Tire & Automotive Association (OTAA)
Bringing deep industry expertise in tire retail and service, Jamie helps bridge the gap between advocacy and real-world implementation.
Jeff Campbell
(jcampbell@safetread.org)
Director, Tire Discounters
Provides technical insights into tire performance and safety while supporting collaboration across the tire and automotive industries.
Jonathan Burns
(jburns@safetread.org)
Board Member, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA)
Ensures alignment with national automotive maintenance standards, integrating tire safety into routine vehicle care practices.
Jeff Cox
(jcox@safetread.org)
President, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association / Motorist Assurance Program (AMRA/MAP)
Supports innovation, industry relationships, and the advancement of best practices across the automotive service landscape.
John Zentz
(jzentz@safetread.org)
Senior Vice President – Global Sales, Hunter Engineering Company
Leverages global industry experience to support scalable safety solutions and technology-driven initiatives.
John Schadl
(jschadl@safetread.org)
Director, Road Ready Foundation
Leads community alignment, program development, and national event coordination to expand STA’s reach and impact.
Briant Mildenhall
(bmildnehall@safetread.org)
Trial Attorney, Fried/Goldberg
Specializes in litigation involving wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and trucking accidents—bringing critical legal insight into the real-world consequences of unsafe tires.
Robert Dallas
(rdallas@safetread.org)
Attorney, Buckley King, LPA
Former Director of Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). Expert in public safety program development and behavioral safety initiatives.
Garrett Townsend
(gtownsend@safetread.org)
Director of Public Affairs, AAA (The Auto Club)
Leads strategic communications and public awareness efforts to elevate tire safety education nationwide.
Kevin Goyak
(kgoyak@safetread.org)
Senior Vice President, Vogue Tyre
Provides manufacturer-level analytics, insights, and data to support evidence-based safety standards.
Garrett Townsend
(gtownsend@safetread.org)
Director of Public Affairs, AAA (The Auto Club)
Leads strategic communications and public awareness efforts to elevate tire safety education nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Safety
What does 4/32 mean on a tire?
4/32 means the tire has four thirty-seconds of an inch of remaining tread depth. Tread depth affects braking, traction, and the ability to channel water away from the tire.How do I check my tire tread depth accurately?
Use a tread depth gauge to measure tread depth in multiple spots across the tire. Measuring in several grooves helps identify uneven wear.When should I replace my tires for better wet-weather safety?
For improved wet-weather braking and traction, many safety recommendations advise replacing tires around 4/32 of an inch, even if the legal minimum is lower.Do all states have the same tire tread depth laws?
Most states use a 2/32-inch legal minimum tread depth, but inspection requirements and enforcement vary by state.What is the 4/32 Initiative?
The 4/32 Initiative is an effort to modernize minimum tire tread depth standards to 4/32 of an inch to improve wet-weather performance and reduce hydroplaning-related risks.
The 4/32 Initiative is a national effort to save lives by replacing outdated tire tread depth standards with a safer, science-backed minimum that reflects real-world driving conditions.
Join the Movement to Save Lives
The Safe Tread Alliance is more than a committee, it’s a coalition of experts, advocates, and leaders working together to redefine tire safety standards.
