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Tire studs damage roadways Can you explain the reasoning behind studded tires? Every year we hear about the millions of dollars it costs to repair the damage studded tires cause to our roads. They became legal again on Nov. 1, and since there has been no snow, hopefully no one has installed them yet. Can't everyone put on chains, which are only used over the snow and ice and then removed? -- Marjorie B., Talent "That line of reasoning is exactly what the Oregon Department of Transportation is hoping people will move toward," said John Vial, ODOT area manager. Although studded tires increase traction during inclement driving conditions, they can cause severe damage to bare roads, Vial said. A 1993 ODOT study estimated that studded tires cause yearly damages of $43 million statewide. Drivers may use studded tires between Nov. 1 and April 1. "Studded tires help in one sense, but they don't in others," he added. "They're very destructive to the roadways ... But they do give you better traction, so it's a tough issue for us." To reduce damage to roads, Vial said drivers should consider using chains. Drivers also should check out new studless tires that provide added traction, he said. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA