This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Studded tires save lives

Wed., Dec. 23, 2020

Robert Hopkins letter on the evils of studded tires (“Ban the studs,” Dec. 13) is myopic and misinformed.

Steel studs are no longer available. The softer metal studs now sold barely last one season before they wear down well before the siped snow tread does.

But studded tires have saved lives for decades, particularly on icy hills where melted slush refreezes into sloping ice ribbons. Clearly Hopkins doesn’t live in a snow belt area that waits days, sometimes a week for snow removal or sanding unpaved roads. 60% of Spokane County doesn’t live in Spokane. Last winter we had 30” more snow on the ground in the Newman Lake foothills than 900’ lower Spokane or the banana belt called liberty lake did. Tires matter.

Mike Reno

Newman Lake, Wash.

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

No more than 250 words
We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form: Submit your letter here
Mail: Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: letters@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-5098
Phone: (509) 459-5403