HELENA – Folks can now once again legally drive on Montana roads with studded snow tires.
Kolar Tire and Auto in Helena has already put on dozens of sets of snow tires in the last two days and anticipate a lot more people to come in once the snow starts to stick to the ground.
Frank Kolar has 17 years of experience in the tire industry and recommends people put their studded tires on a couple weeks before the first major snowstorm.
Kolar said as a tow truck operator he’s seen plenty of winter crashes that could have been potentially avoided with the right tires.
“Snow tires are better traction in the winter time, your stopping distance is increased,” said Kolar.
The Montana Highway Patrol reports that there were over 24,000 crashes during winter conditions on Montana roads between 2012 and 2016 with 65 of those crashes resulting in a fatality.
The Montana Department of Transportation recommends people to take time to review winter safety tips before driving on Montana roads this winter. For additional information about winter road safety in Montana, visit here.
Studded snow tires are allowed on Montana’s roads between October 1 and May 31.
-John Riley reporting for MTN News
