By Peter Ohlweiler, Rutland Motorcars
posted
Jan 10, 2013
Dear Editor,
The article " The Zen of Winter Driving in Vermont " by Julia
Purdy was well detailed to the challenges of winter driving . I
would like to add two important items that were overlooked. Number
one the importance of snow tires and number two, the importance of
not using your cell phone while driving (anytime.)
All season tires are just that. These are tires designed to
function in various weather condition's and not conducive to snow
covered roads. The design of the snow tire, basically, is a deep
tread with a soft compound rubber. This is designed so that the
tire will flex and disperse the build up of snow and slush out of
the tread and allow the tire to grip to the surface. An all-season
tire is made of hard compound rubber with a much narrower tread
design allowing snow and slush to fill in the tread and virtually
turn the tire into a slick. All wheel drive/Four wheel drive is
helpful but, not the solution to winter.
Cell phones are distracting by themselves let alone trying to
drive and talk or text at the same time. Industry research shows
that talking or texting while driving is equal or worst than
driving while intoxicated!
Peter Ohlweiler, Rutland Motorcars
