SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Transportation is preparing a study comparing the performance of studded and non-studded snow tires, according to the Oregon legislator who requested the study.
Officials of the Oregon DOT met Feb. 4 with Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, vice chair of Oregon's House Transportation & Economic Development Committee. The officials briefed Bentz on the focus and progress of the study, which is scheduled for release this fall.
Bentz was instrumental in preventing a proposed ban on studded tires from becoming law in Oregon, according to publicity from Bentz's office. Instead, the legislature asked the Oregon DOT to update its earlier study of studded tires, their efficacy in snow and their effect on roads.
"Insight into the difference between advanced design, non-studded snow tires and snow tires with studs is important both for our personal safety and to make sure that when we buy those four studded snow tires for our car we are doing so for good reasons," Bentz said.
When the study is completed, the Oregon DOT plans to post it on its website.