Winter driving demands careful consideration and preparation, and while many believe all-wheel drive is the ultimate solution, the real hero in snowy conditions is often overlooked—snow tires. In a recent Motor Trend test, the verdict was clear: a front-wheel-drive car equipped with snow tires proved safer than an all-wheel-drive counterpart sporting all-season tires. While all-wheel drive assists in getting a vehicle moving from a standstill, it does little to prevent sliding on Houghton’s steep streets. Snow tires, along with careful driving, excel in enabling vehicles to start, stop, and turn with confidence in icy conditions.
Michigan Tech boasts one of the safest college campuses, and this commitment to safety should extend to its diverse community of drivers. Students arriving from various parts of the country and the world may find winter driving a new and potentially perilous experience.
Dispelling the misconception that all-season tires suffice is crucial, especially in a region that can receive over 200 inches of snow annually. According to insurance company, Allstate, “Winter tires offer superior traction—up to 25 to 50 percent more than all-season tires—providing the crucial safety margin needed to stop in time or navigate to avoid trouble.” Even on dry roads, the specialized rubber compound in snow tires, formulated for extremely low temperatures, outperforms other tire types.
Ryan Passeno, a fourth-year student at MTU, shared his experience driving without snow tires, stating, “I can’t do anything; I’m sliding everywhere, I can’t stop, it’s terrible all around.” This firsthand account underscores the significance of investing in proper winter tires for enhanced safety and control.
To ensure the safety of our campus community, prioritizing snow tires should be the top consideration when preparing vehicles for MTU. Don’t compromise on safety—visit Allstate’s Winter Tires Benefits and Motor Trend’s Winter Tire Matters for more information.
Remember, safety on the road is a shared responsibility. Check your tires, consider snow tires, and spread the word to create a safer winter driving environment for all.
