As of Monday, people can legally drive on Montana roads with studded snow tires again.
Studded tires are permitted on Montana roads from Oct. 1 through May 31.
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.
Studded tires must be removed by May 31.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol, there were over 24,000 crashes during winter conditions on Montana roads between 2012 and 2016. Sixty-five of those crashes resulted 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.
By John Riley – MTN News
