Member Feedback

Skywalk destructive

In the March/April issue of your magazine, there is an article describing the skywalk over the Grand Canyon, opened by the Hualapai Tribe. I am disgusted that AAA, to which I have belonged for many years, would give publicity to such an environmentally destructive project and “attraction!”

—Neil H. Jr., via email

Editor's Note: AAA has no way of knowing the environmental impact of the skywalk. Because the project is controlled by, and on the land of, the Native American Hualapai Tribe, AAA Colorado assumes any environmental impact was carefully considered and minimized.

Credit card safety tips

I am a AAA member. I also oversee the debit and credit card operations for a financial institution. When I read “10 tips to keep your credit card safe” [March/April 2007], I was dismayed when I read tips 6 and 10.

Tip 6 stated cardholders should not sign their credit cards and instead have merchants request identification when they are making purchases. Should a merchant actually verify a signature, per Visa and MasterCard, they must refuse an unsigned card for payment as it is considered invalid.

Tip 10 states that a credit card is more secure when making online purchases than a debit card. This is false information, as debit transactions are covered under Federal Regulation E for fraudulent purchases or other disputed transactions, leaving cardholders with as little as zero liability in some states and a maximum of $50 financial liability through federal law. This is the same protection provided to credit transactions under Federal Regulation Z.

—Lavonne H., via email

Editor's Note: This letter is representative of numerous ones received regarding this article. The tips given were verified as correct by Bank of America and its legal department. As for tip six, the article did not recommend cardholders not sign their card, it stated: “If you prefer [merchants] request identification, you can forgo signing the back and this will require the merchant to request ID.” According to Bank of America, an unsigned card is not considered invalid. While it is probably better to sign the card, if a person is really uncomfortable with that, it is not necessary. As for tip 10, while the protections the member pointed out do exist on both credit and debit cards, the problem with using a debit card is that when the money is gone it is gone—meaning it is immediately withdrawn from your bank account. With a credit card, as long as the bill is not paid, there is a period of time to dispute the charge. Your money is not compromised with a credit card as it is with a debit card and it's much harder to get it back once it is gone. A credit card is more advantageous in that regard.

Octane levels misleading

I am writing regarding your article in the March/April issue “Gasoline Octane Levels in Colorado.” Your assertion that having 85 octane saves customers money is false and misleading. When you travel to states outside of Colorado, you learn that regular gas is 87 octane and costs the same as our 85 octane. So, every gallon of 87 octane sold in Colorado is more money for gas producers because here in Colorado they sell it for mid grade. If our gas was 87 octane (which our car manufacturers recommend) we would all save money. My question is, why doesn't AAA try to get this changed and help the driving public? No excuses please!

—Carol D., Penrose

Editor's Note: For 100 years, AAA has been an advocate for the driving public when it comes to safety issues. In our free-market society, octane levels are an economic issue that is best determined by consumers, businesses and, when necessary, legislators. Because Colorado allows use of 85 octane, and refineries save money by producing it (as stated in the article), it will probably take action by the state legislature to change the situation. Until then, the best advice (once again from the article) is to “check your owner's manual, consult a qualified mechanic or check with your vehicle's manufacturer for the best octane to use in your vehicle.”

“Pass pics”

I have found EnCompass to be very helpful and informative and it has given me ideas on where to go and what to see in Colorado. Having moved here only one year ago from Pennsylvania , I'm amazed and impressed at everything that Colorado has to offer.

Being from the East, we do not have “real” mountains, so the mountain passes have become a great fascination to me. In particular, I've enjoyed finding out where passes are and their elevation, and have begun taking a picture of myself at each pass sign I encounter. I think it would be an interesting subject for new, as well as native, Coloradans.

—Kathy L., via email

Personal reviews

In the March/April Colorado Explorer section, Linda DuVal named three Durango restaurants. As a 30-year resident, I am embarrassed that you'd suggest these selections. It makes me wonder about your other selections.

—Marikay S., Durango

Editor's Note: Freelance writer Linda DuVal reports that her recommendations come from personal experience and/or from local input. She also points out that restaurants can often change quickly from good to bad, or vice versa. EnCompass keeps to a minimum personal restaurant and hotel recommendations, preferring to let members rely on AAA's objective Diamond rating system with its 65 full-time inspectors. Detailed information on the Diamond rating system can be found in any AAA TourBook or at www.aaa.com/diamonds.

Let us hear from you

Letters less than 200 words are considered first. Letters published in EnCompass do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AAA Colorado and, due to space limitations, we reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Send letters to the editor, EnCompass, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222. Fax to: 303-300-7710. Email: editor@colorado.aaa.com. Letters become property of AAA Colorado and are not returned.