Studded tires unnecessary

Once again, Nov. 1 is here and therefore studded tires are legal on Washington’s roadways. And when there was a threat of snow on the passes, our DOT, in their infinite wisdom, authorized the use of studded tires a week early. Another week to deepen the existing ruts and start new ones in our streets and highways.

The state doesn’t have enough money to finish the north-south connector, partly because they spend millions resurfacing I-90. What drivers don’t know is that studded tires have less traction on bare dry or bare wet or loose snow or slush than a good all-season or winter tread tire. Studded tires are only effective on hard-packed snow or ice, but when drivers get up to highway speeds, studded tires are no help at all, because the laws of physics take over.

Any driver with an all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle really doesn’t need more than good all-season tires. Drivers need to adjust their driving to winter conditions anyway. We are all tired of washboard intersections and tire-grabbing ruts on the freeway. If studded tires were so great, they would be required. The State Patrol doesn’t use them, mostly for the reasons listed above. And studded tires are not an acceptable substitute for chains when chains are required. There are winter tires available that are just as good as studs on ice and are legal to run all year if you want. So get real, Spokane.

Herb Postlewait

Spokane