Some technical points gleaned from the article:
- Tread separation of an OEM Firestone tire led to the crash.
- The tires were 9 years old at time of crash, according to date code.
- The crash occurred (probably) in hot weather (July 31, 2002).
- The crash occurred after "... in 2000 Congress passed the Transportation Recall, Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (TREAD) Act in response to the Firestone/Ford rollover crisis. But, the tire maker has never recalled any old/new tires, and did nothing to warn the public, police or auto industry about the danger of aging tires". I find this disturbing.
As mentioned in the OEM tire thread, my personal experience shows the OEM tires seem to fall apart (from rot) well before the six years expiration that is being proposed for tire users, which to me adds more angst to the story. Aftermarket tires don't seem to rot as easily.