The study measures the cost of damage from studded tires several different ways and uses multiple estimates of how pavement wears down to determine ranges of damage estimates and repair costs, according to the ODOT.
• One way of determining repair cost is by assessing damage that has already occurred. In 2012, studded tires caused an estimated $8.5 million in damage to Oregon highways. This calculation was developed by looking at effective pavement damage — damage sufficient to require repaving before the pavement surface would normally be repaved, the agency said.
• Another way of determining repair cost is by assessing future expected damage. Using this calculation, the ODOT said the study predicts the total cost to repair studded tire damage to Oregon's highway system from 2012 to 2022 to be about $44.2 million, assuming the normally expected pavement design life.
A summary of previous research reviewed in the new report concludes that non-studded traction devices are as effective as or more effective than studded tires in most driving conditions, the agency said, noting that it “encourages drivers to consider using alternatives such as chains or non-studded traction tires.”