Letter to the Editor

(Journalism)
I have recently heard and read about the ambulances in the Fredericton area not having the proper tires for winter. Since the many storms that have hit New Brunswick in the last few weeks, I have been appalled at the conditions of the roads. One example is when I was traveling to and from Woodstock on Sunday, the 17th. I was concerned with the layer of ice that was virtually covering the left hand lane of the highway. This made it very difficult and dangerous to pass. What would happen if an ambulance needed to reach someone as quickly as possible, but was held up due to the horrible road conditions?
Why not give the ambulances studded tires? If it would get them to where they need to be quickly and safely, what's the harm? I live in a rural area, and live on a secondary road. It is still rutted and slippery, and the storms have ended days ago. The scarce use of sand or salt is limited to the middle of the road, causing only one safe lane. It worries me that the roads are still in such rough shape, and the emergency services are without the proper equipment to do their jobs efficiently. Even if the roads are still not completely clear, I am sure that it would at least give the public peace of mind that that if you get injured or are in an accident, the ambulances can reach you safely. Whoever made the decision against studded tires on the ambulances have obviously never endured a New Brunswick winter.



Amy Dickeson
Fredericton Junction, NB