CDOT will give large trucks the option of using an alternate traction control device known as the AutoSock next winter. This is a product that I did a feature story about in February. The AutoSock is a fabric that slips over a vehicle’s outer driving wheels like a shower cap, providing extra traction on snowy and icy roads. It also can be installed over the tire in much less time than traditional chains. CDOT engineers, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and trucking experts analyzed the AutoSock and, based on initial test data, recommended a “probationary approval” to verify the device actually performs well in winter driving conditions. The evaluation will be conducted during the 2008-2009 winter season for commercial vehicles. CDOT Chief Engineer Pam Hutton says “Our hope is that it performs effectively and it becomes another tool to help us keep traffic moving during winter driving conditions.”
If AutoSock performs successfully after next winter and receives a positive evaluation from CDOT and CSP, it may result in a recommendation for permanent approval as an alternative traction device. However, if it does not perform up to the initial data provided and traffic problems occur, probationary approval will be immediately withdrawn. The AutoSock currently is used extensively as an alternate to tire chains in Europe.

Well it was another wet drive around town but roads dried out as the morning went on. The mountain drive started wet, turned slushy and snow and ended wet once again. There were a few crashes like on SB I-25 at I-70 that added to the slow drive from 120th but that was about it. The drive ended earlier than normal.