TIRE CHAIN EFFECTIVENESS STUDY: REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE

The findings of the Tire Chain Effectiveness Study indicate that all of the chains tested generally provided acceptable levels of acceleration, braking and handling. This is true even though a range of performance difference existed, depending on the characteristics of the various chains. Recurring chain failure existed throughout the study. This failure pertained to strap and buckle fasteners and to side cables. There is an upward trend in the production of vehicles upon which tire chains cannot be installed. Some nontraditional traction devices, however, may provide effective alternatives to tire chains. Nevertheless, these devices are excluded from the California market because their designs do not meet the descriptive standards specified in Vehicle Code Section 605.