I have read the editorial in Monday’s Herald about the banning/phasing out of studded tires, “Ban destructive studded tires.”
I believe that some important facts have been omitted from consideration.
There was a list of states that have already banned the use of studded tires and it was rightly pointed out that they have snowier winters than we do. Please consider that fact for a moment. They have snowier winters than we do. Because of this they have more snow removal equipment available than we do. Are the counties of Washington state and the state itself willing to pony up the funding needed to purchase the needed equipment to deal with properly the occasional snows that we get in Western Washington? Snow responses in Western Washington are far from adequate.
Also the states listed have a far different climate than Washington, particularly Western Washington. Because of colder climates, the snow that occurs in those states has a far lower moisture content that the heavy snows we get here. The Western Washington snow that we receive usually occurs at or near the freezing point. This heavy wet snow packs down and quickly becomes glazed over creating a surface as slippery as black ice.
On the rural roads that I must travel, it could be several hours if not days before road crews can address this condition due to lack of equipment and manpower.
Also, can you imagine the extra burden for the State Patrol having to check for a studded tire permit?
It this were truly an issue about saving road funds, I think the Legislature would be wise to eliminate current prevailing wage laws that would open up public projects to true competitive bidding.
Robert Davis
Stanwood
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