Drivers left behind a ‘mountain of chains,’ CHP says

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently took to social media to call out drivers who they say lost chains because they weren’t properly installed on their vehicles.

The CHP’s Gold Run division recently took to Facebook to ask drivers to educate themselves about how to properly install chains before they try to complete the process during adverse weather conditions.

“This mountain of chains is courtesy of all those who probably should have practiced putting chains on correctly before trying to do it on a cold, dark, snowy freeway. These lost chains pose a hazard to Caltrans snow blowers as they are trying to remove snow during and after storms. So make sure you know how to install chains before you get to the point where you need them. Thanks!” CHP wrote.

While many Facebook users agreed with CHP’s sentiment, others argued that Caltrans sometimes requires chains prior to roadways becoming snow packed, which can also lead to the loss of chains. 

“Maybe you guys shouldn’t make drivers chain up in areas where you don’t even need chains running on mostly concrete and no snow just for 6 bad miles of road and make them drive another 15 on good road,” said one commenter. 

“Chains probably failed after the operator’s being forced run them on dry roads…” said another Facebook user. 

Please click here for more information on California chain law.