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	March 2001
Departments Feature Articles AAA President's Message Colorado Calendar AAA Commentary AAA Mini Tour Feedback FYI Auto Talk My Colorado Approved Auto Repair Offices to Serve You Travel Specials Office Events Join AAA		Feedback More Response to HID Lights In response to the article "What's the Bright Idea?" [January 2001 issue], it would have been nice to see opinions from drivers who have HID headlights versus those who do not. I'm one of those who does not, and I feel blinded by HID lights when they're coming toward me, especially when it's a truck that is higher off the ground than my sedan, or when vehicles pull up behind me and I can't use my rearview mirror. I find the lights to be obnoxious and distracting, specifically when I'm on a two-lane road that is poorly lit. I feel like I have to swerve or slow down to avert my eyes from the lights, and that impedes traffic behind me. Although HID lights are helpful to some, they are harmful to others, and it was disappointing for me to read that they are becoming standard in many car models. I think they are a major safety hazard. Denise Schoengold, via e-mail I read Michael Wilson's letter regarding the HID lights on his Audi. I, too, own a 2001 Audi A-6, 4.2 with the HID lights and I have never had anyone flash their brights at me. The HID lights have a very well-defined pattern, and his lights may not be aimed properly. If these headlights are aimed even a few degrees too high they can shine into oncoming drivers' eyes. I would suggest that Mr. Wilson have his light alignment checked so that he can feel comfortable taking advantage of these wonderful lights. Maynard Knapp, Avon Editor's note: Only factory-installed lights are legal for use on public roads and highways in the United States. If not properly installed, the lights can temporarily blind oncoming drivers. Pikes Peak Memories I read your article "Slippery Slope" in the January issue [My Colorado] and it brought back some fond memories. I, too, learned to ski at Pikes Peak. It was 1971 or '72, right after we moved to Colorado Springs. I never went through the actual Pikes Peak Ski School [but] I remember the platter-pulls (Pomas) and rope tow (you really go through the gloves with those). I had leather lace-up boots and cable bindings the entire time as well. Fortunately, my whole family skied (I have two brothers and two sisters), so in the 70s we branched out to sample everything around the state. Once we knew life beyond Pikes Peak, we never looked back! My kids have taken all their lessons at either Winter Park or Copper Mountain and really have no idea what I went through. My wife, who is from Alaska, skied at a place similar to Pikes Peak called "Second Cabin," near Juneau, where rope tows and platter-pulls were the mode. We've often compared who had it worse! Thanks for helping dig up some old memories. Paul Stouffer, Evergreen Corrections In the February 2001 President's Message, it was stated that AAA was formed in the 1920s. AAA was in fact founded in 1902. AAA Colorado joined the federation in 1922. To notify us of a correction, write to the editor, Kelly Eastlund, at 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222, or e-mail:keastlund@colorado.aaa.com. We want to hear from you! Reader comments and questions are welcome in The Motorist magazine. A reply or comment may be printed with your letter. Letters under 200 words are considered first and are printed most readily. Send letters to the Editor, The Motorist, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222. Fax to: 303-758-8515. E-mail: keastlund@colorado.aaa.com. Letters become property of The Motorist and are not returned. Return To Top © Rocky Mountain Motorists, Inc.

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