Cast-Off Retreads

Can Be Deadly

(The following letter to Governor Jodi Rell, State Senator John Mckinney, State Representative Julia Wasserman, State Transportation Commissioner Ralph Carpenter, and State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Robert Ward has been received for publication.)

Dear Honorable State of Connecticut Officials,

Thank you for reading this letter of concern regarding commercial truck “retread” tires that dislodge and lay across lanes of our interstate highways. I removed one particular piece from the edge of the slow lane of I-84 just west of the Tunnel Road overpass in Newtown. I was heading westbound.

Though I recognize the possible error of my ways for removing and obtaining the debris, I did so in an effort to dramatize the significant danger associated with such obstructions and to remove that particular piece that had been in the same location for at least a week.

On Saturday evening July 28, 2007, I witnessed a small pickup truck in the fast lane near Exit 6 westbound on I-84 that struck a large “retread” similar to the one I have. The driver was unable to evade due to a limited reaction time and another vehicle to his right. It was a miracle that a serious accident did not occur. I do not know whether damage was done to the pickup truck. I also wonder whether tractor trailers can go out of control after losing a “retread.”

Of greater concern to me are motorcycles that frequent the interstate highway system. It is obvious to reasonable people that “retread” obstructions are a deadly hazard to such vehicles. I own a motorcycle and worry about that particular transportation medium simply because “retread” debris can be found virtually any day at multiple locations on the interstate highways.

My request is simply that “retread” tires for commercial vehicles be rendered illegal in the State of Connecticut. I look to the aforementioned officials addressed in this letter for action to eliminate a life threatening situation on behalf of all motor vehicle travelers in Connecticut.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter!

Donald H. Ramsey

3 Prospect Drive, Newtown                                            August 7, 2007