September 28, 2004

7:40 PM

I've often noticed chains hanging underneath school busses. What are they for?
posted by sexymofo to (6 comments total)

They are tire chains for use during snow and ice. You see them on tractor trailers as well.
posted by karmaville at 7:48 PM on September 28, 2004

not for naughty children?
posted by amberglow at 8:04 PM on September 28, 2004

My mom is a school bus driver. I'll ask her tomorrow and if there's no answer here yet I'll let you know.
posted by sadie01221975 at 8:13 PM on September 28, 2004

> WHO USES AUTOMATIC TIRE CHAINS TODAY?
Research shows that volunteer fire departments are the biggest users of automatic chains. They must always be prepared yet are unable to get people to install and remove conventional chains at all hours of the day and night. Moreover, a broken conventional chain could result in a missed fire call and a $2500 wheel well repair. The second largest users are school bus operators. Here, safety is paramount.

It's actually a very neat product ... and almost as old as the automobile.
posted by dhartung at 10:10 PM on September 28, 2004

Grounding static charge.
posted by mischief at 6:22 AM on September 29, 2004

ATC's are a damn neat idea!! However, I've never, ever seen them in Canada. Mind, I haven't been looking.

The chains I've seen are, I think, associated with the automatic sanding box.
posted by five fresh fish at 11:05 AM on September 29, 2004