Studs provide false security

Chic Burge’s attempt to justify studded winter tires (Letters, Sept. 29) cries out for a response. The writer asserts that the use of studded tires has “saved my 64-year-old behind several times.” There is not a shred of evidence to support such an assertion. Not included in Chic’s deeply-flawed opinion is the fact that drivers of all ages slap studded tires on their four-wheel-drive vehicles and then proceed to drive like maniacs – tailgating, speeding and taking chances. This reduces rather than enhances general safety on our winter roads.

If excellent winter snow tires were substituted for studs, along with some serious driver re-education, a notably safer overall driving environment would result.

Studded tires create a false security blanket which many incorrectly believe will provide safety. Not so. For those exceptionally rare circumstances where studded tires actually hold a slight advantage, don’t be so lazy. Put on chains, drive safely, then take them off so as to avoid driving 99 percent of the time on bare roads. Even without the compelling financial reasons for doing away with these road busters, all drivers on the road would be safer, whether or not they might acknowledge that fact.

James Schoepflin

Spokane