It's been awhile since I checked out the Collegian's opinion section. And, no, I'm not here to write about some letter that sparked controversy in the Penn State system.

Instead, I write to respond to Dave Kraige's letter concerning oversalting the roadways ("State wastes resources by oversalting roadways," Feb. 22). First, I have to commend Mr. Kraige's well thought out solution to the salting 'problem."

Just make it a crime to get in an accident in bad weather and bad drivers will stay off the road. What a great idea that will surely cut down on frivolous spending of tax dollars. It's not like the justice system in the state pays for prosecution of criminals.

Add the cost of public defenders and we're even deeper in the hole. Hell, if enough people get in accidents, maybe we can deplete state funds by multiples of what we're now spending to salt the roads. Next, if there's no deterrent effect from criminalizing the accident, we're in no better position than we would be by oversalting.

Try to get insurance if the state won't take the highest precautions to protect its drivers. Even good drivers get in accidents in bad weather; if you should need insurance, your premiums will increase to Jersey-like levels. All in all, the state has a duty to protect its citizens on its roads.

So the question comes down to whether you want to risk accidents (and criminal convictions, if you like Mr. Kraige's idea, coupled with an inability to get insurance) over the slower effect of salt on your car.