Q: We were stopped for a burned-out taillight. While the cop was at it, he wrote us up for “unsafe tires” too. I know we don’t have the best tires in the world (or didn’t — we replaced them). They were pretty close to bald. But we live in the desert. We don’t need great traction because it never rains. Doesn’t it strike you as unfair that this kind of ticket can be given?
A: Gripping the road during rain or snowfalls isn’t the only reason you’re supposed to have decent tires.
Rubber is made of many different chemicals and it doesn’t last forever. High heat (which is often the case in desert living) hastens the breaking down of the tire. If the tread has eroded to the point that the tread channels are pretty much gone, you’ve reached the point that the tread can peel off, causing a blowout.
Blowouts aren’t as frequent as they once were, but when one happens, it can create chaos, and not just for the people in the vehicle traveling on the blown-up tire. Damage and destruction can happen to other vehicles on the road, pedestrians, bicyclists and property. So that’s a reason why law enforcement doesn’t love seeing bald tires, even when there isn’t much rain.
Also, unless you live in Death Valley, there’s probably precipitation from time to time. It might be enough to cause you to hydroplane, again jeopardizing yourself and others.
Q: My dad has been on two medications for three years, and they’ve not impaired him. He’s on one more now and he seems a little less alert and more fuzzy headed, which, of course, worries me when he’s driving. The new med says nothing about causing drowsiness so maybe I’m wrong. Not sure where to turn.
A: I don’t get involved in medical questions, of course, but this matter has been raised often lately because of concerns for safety behind the wheel. A pharmacist tells me this: “It is entirely possible for a person to function and drive perfectly safely when taking any one or two medications. However, when another is introduced, there can be interactions that change things completely.”
So trust your instincts. Talk immediately with his doctor or a pharmacist.
© CTW Features
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.