Published in 1974
Since the legalization of studded tires in Virginia in 1968, yearly surveys have been conducted to determine the extent of their use. Along with the surveys, pavement wear measurements have been taken to determine if the tires are contributing appreciably to pavement wear. The purpose of this report is to record the data gathered thus far so that they may be used with other information to develop recommendations for legislation regarding the use of studded tires in the state.
Although the studded tire surveys have been conducted for only two years in the Shenandoah Valley and five years in Northern Virginia, the writer feels that the following conclusions are valid: 1) The percentage of studded tire usage depends largely on the severity of the winter, 2) Certain types of roads, such as those with limestone mix surfaces, are affected more by studded tires than are other types of roads, and 3) The major wear point on a road is dependent upon the type of road.
Last updated: February 7, 2024