facebook-pixel

Letter: Utah should bring back auto safety inspections

Leah Hogsten  |  The Salt Lake Tribune  In a long photographic exposure, car and bus taillights and headlights draw long red and white lights during evening traffic patterns along State Street, Jan. 10, 2019.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune In a long photographic exposure, car and bus taillights and headlights draw long red and white lights during evening traffic patterns along State Street, Jan. 10, 2019.

I tried to understand why the Utah Legislature would eliminate automobile inspections on a yearly basis. I say this because of the many times over the years it was called to my attention that some corrective repairs were needed to keep my car safe for use.

At the end of the required inspection period, it was pointed out that my left wheel was about to fall off. I had had my wheel bearing replaced and the repairman had not replaced a pin to secure the bearing.

Of course I returned to the place that had made the repair and they corrected the mistake. Had that not happened, I would have been stuck in the mountains, since I was going hunting the next day.

I see in the news the accidents caused in snowy weather by bald tires. I see burned-out headlights and other essential signal lights not operating, and I can only guess the state of some brake systems.

I think the Legislature should rethink the inspection program and, for the safety of all, restore the program.

Harry W. Patrick, Salt Lake City

Submit a letter to the editor

Support free news for Utah

sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.

Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.

You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.