Time to outlaw studded tires

I’m so glad to see that once again our elected officials may take the easy way out on how to repair our roads by raising vehicle tab fees here in Snohomish County.

As a motorcyclist, I see an easy way to kill several birds with one stone — make studded tires illegal in the state. I listen to people driving around from November to April on mostly dry or rain wetted roads in mid-40s temperatures on four carbide-tipped grinding stones, carving wagon ruts in the roads and freeways, and making it more dangerous than last year for myself and the thousands of other riders to try and avoid these carved ruts. Try hitting a rain-filled, 6-inch-deep rut at 60 mph on two wheels and see how that brightens up your views on studded tires.

How about state Sen. Mary Margaret Dolittle gets off her “chair” and gets studs eliminated on the roads? Oh, she’s too busy covering up her ignoring the mess the ferry system is in. I know what you’re going to say next, “But I drive across the passes and need studded tires.” People in the Midwest can’t have studded tires and seem to get along just fine on regular snow tires and chains as needed.

Trying to drive on the 6-inch-wide band of pavement between the grease stripe and the wagon ruts created by soccer mommies in SUVs isn’t any picnic either.

Doesn’t it cost around $12 million a year to fix rutted road surfaces in this state? I’ll bet that could be cut by two-thirds if studded tires were outlawed.

So, Mr. elected politician, before you slide out the side door and take the easy way out, try thinking beyond the end of your collective noses on this “user fee” increase.

Bill Downing

Everett