I just read the article about the traction law that requires drivers, especially on I-70, to have a certain percentage of rubber on their tires. What this law doesn’t do is eliminate those who don’t know how to drive in snow. There are several types of vehicle operators who simply gum up the interstate because they are clueless about how to deal with the white stuff. The absolute worst of these are the white-knuckled creeps who, like snails, keep speeds well below the limit and slow traffic behind them to a crawl. They ought to know that snow, unlike ice, actually gives you a certain amount of traction. Given the fact that CDOT lays down a coating of an anti-ice, salty substance, namely, mag-chloride, along with some sand, and drivers can have some confidence that they can safely handle snow packed road with some reasonable speeds.

Of course, there are the fools and dare devils who come to our mountains without sufficient tread on their tires. They are dangerous and often cause accidents because they can achieve no traction on snow packed roads. They are the ones who go sashaying up the highway, swinging and skidding from side to side, trying to make it up steep grades. A fifty-dollar fine isn’t enough to deter these people from what they are attempting. A five-hundred-dollar ticket might stop them in their tracks. It might encourage them to go and purchase proper snow tires.

I am ever appalled by people who would risk my life by doing irresponsible things. A fine after the fact will not be enough of a deterrent.  It is only when the consequence is heavy enough and gains sufficient notoriety that the would-be law breakers will think twice before attempting their road-risking stunts.