But first, I’ll make sure I have my winter tires on!
You see, during the most excellent Karl’s SecondHand Radio Show yesterday – available on iTunes – a heated debate between me and myself about winter tires. Basically, Sci-Fi Dad from tales from the dad side said something along the line of “if you know how to drive, you don’t need winter tires” and I freaked out a bit.
I totally disagree.
I’ll start by saying that I agree that having to pass a law forcing cars to have snow tires between December 15th and March 15 is completely stupid, but unfortunately necessary. In the same vein, it’s stupid to have laws that say “you sould not steal”. Seems to be obvious enough right?
Unless you know enough about driving in winter conditions that you will decide to stay the fuck home when temperature drops below a specific temperature (depending on your tires it varies from -7 to -13 for all seasons), because you know your tires don’t grip the road below that threshold? Nobody can do that right? So get winter tires!
There was also a comment made about allowing people to drive with summer / all seasons in the winter would be some kind of Darwinian’s “survival of the fittest” selection. That sounds like a real good joke until someone runs your kid over.
Shit.
Of all tings to be passionate about, I had to pick winter tires.
Now where’s that lamb?
Heh. I can’t speak for the *other* people in the chat room, but I’m OK with any and all laws meant to protect us and our children from stupid people, in general. I do, however, oppose laws that protect stupid people from themselves.
How do you find out beforehand if you “know how to drive”… Just asking…
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Technically, there is still a coefficient of friction between rubber and asphalt at temperatures below that threshold you mention. It may be lower, but it is still above zero.
I agree that in certain areas, specifically those in the northern parts of the country where impacted snow is practically a constant reality, snow/winter tires are a necessity. However, if you live in an urban area like Toronto, and you never venture that far north, then I don’t think snow tires are a necessity.
In fact, some people have argued that there are more accidents because of winter tires and/or all-wheel drive, and the way companies market these products. People think they are impervious to the environment.
Question: you’re on the highway… would you rather have a driver who knows how to control a vehicle under icy conditions, or someone with winter tires but unknown skill level behind the wheel of another car?
As for the Darwinism comment, it was a joke. I believe I laughed right after, and did not intend for it to be taken seriously.
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Can I just drive with Winter tires all year round?
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Safety first! Whether it means new tires or passing some driving test. Safety should always come first. Once the snow starts falling and ice starts covering the roads, 2 types of drivers emerge…those who are slow and cautious, and those who think 4 wheel drive allow them to do anything they freaking want. I always have a little giggle when I see that big truck in the ditch and the little Grandma just cruising by
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Would snow chains negate the need for snow tires?
I do agree that I’d rather have someone who knew how to control their car on ice driving without snow tires instead of someone with snow tires who didn’t know how to drive in the snowy conditions. But I also agree that there should be laws in place to protect people – if making snow tires mandatory would increase the level of safety for the general population, go for it. Geez – the government mandates pretty much every other damned thing. Why not snow tires as well?
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Well, I was serious about the Darwinism. And if the kid gets hit by someone, they should have been faster. It’s all about survival of the fittest.
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Sorry all, I’ve been slacking on the replies today. I blame it on the craptastic day I had.
@Faiqa:
@DutchBitch: Well, we have driving school here, and then you have a limited driving permit and so on…
@SciFi Dad: Would you be speaking of the same Toronto where they had to call the army to save the city from a snowstorm? Yeah, you never need winter tires there, that’s for sure.
Saying that there’s more accidents because of winter tires is pretty much the same the same thing that saying since condoms were invented the birth rate has shot up. You know, since people think they’re protected. A winter tire is a tool.
I’d rather have a drink on a beach than any of your options.
And no worries, you should never take me seriously either.
@Princess of the Universe: You could, but winter tires are much softer so you’d need new tires all the time.
@Becky: The grandma probably has her signal on.
@SheilaCSR: Why so serious?
@Avitable: Every time you make those statements, it reminds me of Cyrano: “Speak proud aloud, and bitter!—In my ear whisper me simply this,—She loves thee not!”.
I don’t even know what winter tires are. I’m wondering if this is bad. I’m going to go with no…but that might not be right.
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@Sarah: Hehehehehehe. Just make sure you’re a fast runner.
I can drive without snows but why would I? They help — really if it means I don’t have to see my insurance rates go up because of some dumb ass who thinks he can stop.
On the winter tires year round — mileage tends to not be as good when they are on.
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Dude, don’t judge everyone in T.O. by Mel Lastman’s actions. Some of us spent time in Montreal (and if that’s not enough for ya, Rouyn-Noranda) and therefore know how to operate a vehicle in the snow.
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@Nat: Exactly!
@SciFi Dad: I was merely commenting on your “if you stay in the city you don’t need winter tires” statement. I have no doubt you know ho to drive in the snow. I also have no doubt that you know winter tires are better for driving in winter conditions.