Being here in the great state of Michigan has been quite an education for this Westerner! I have already shared some of my new found knowledge, but it seems like I learn something new every day.
What did I learn this week, you ask?? Snow Tires Chains and Studded Snow Tires are ILLEGAL in Michigan. Yes, Illegal! Now, having been a driver in Nevada for 18 years, I will admit, I have only had to put chains on my car once during those 18 years while driving inside the city limits of Reno. Going over the Sierras is a different story. And since there are NO mountains in Michigan, I can sort of understand it from that angle. However, the average snowfall for Western Michigan is more than two times that of Reno. More importantly, the snow here in Michigan stays, unlike Reno, where we can get 6 inches overnight and it is gone by noon.
Snow Removal's a bit behind the times in West MichiganSo wouldn't chains be helpful??? Are people just better drivers and more apt in driving in such conditions? Do more people have 4WD's here in MI? No and No! I have seen more cars in ditches and spun out on the side of the road here this winter than I ever saw in Reno. And there are FAR fewer SUVs here as well. So again, wouldn't tire chains or studded snow tires be helpful???
You need chains to drive these roads without snow!Well, the reasoning is how bad they are for the roads. How they tear up the roads so severely! Therefore, Michiganders give up the increased traction and safer driving that tire chains would bring for the convenience and comfort of really well taken care of roads, right??? NO! The roads are in horrible condition! Potholes everywhere...(I am sure the conditions of the roads is greatly connected to the State's economy) So again, why are they illegal...I don't know!
