Normally the only person this writer hears talking about winter tires is the ex-military brother who is happily redneck enough to share a beer but not a tent with you (nothing personal).

"Be Tire Smart – Play Your P.A.R.T., (is) an advocacy campaign by Canada’s tire makers to help drivers make an educated choice about whether they should install winter tires."

In Alberta, "winter tire use is significantly lower." According to the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC), which represents tire makers (really, tires!), 35% of Alberta motorists now ride on winter tires, compared to 51% nationally.

The "three peak mountain snowflake" symbol is the mark of a true winter tire, and we should look for this symbol, which is stamped on the sidewall, when shopping for winter tires.

"Research conducted by The Government of Quebec in the two years since winter tire use became universal in that province...shows that in the past two winters there has been a five per cent reduction in road-accident injuries that can be directly attributed to winter tire use. The research concludes that widespread use of winter tires has prevented about 575 road-accident injuries per winter in Quebec, (and) that vehicle accidents resulting in death or serious injury declined by three per cent."

Winter tires, huh? If all these LGBT folks start wandering into tire stores asking questions, where will we put our rednecks? Will we have to set up a new preserve, somewhere outside city limits so they’ll have access to their quads and hunting?

But seriously, think hard about the consequences. As the Rubber Association of Canada (really, tires) points out, "the industry is offering drivers a wealth of information about the performance advantages of winter tires at its website."

And then they throw in more of this ‘science’ stuff: "Today’s high-tech winter tires offer far more than better traction on snow, ice or slush covered roadways. The rubber compounds used . . . deliver better grip in all cold weather driving conditions – including dry pavement – because these compounds maintain their elasticity even at temperatures below -30°. The result is a dramatic improvement in driver control and traction in all winter driving conditions, particularly when cornering or braking."

So this winter season, make sure you put on the right rubber...for your car!