The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1942-12-11
HIWAY PATROL
ISSUES WINTER
DRIVING HINTS

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peak in December, although motor We
hicle travel is slightly less than aver
age during this month The nation
wide mileage death rate is greatest
in the late fall and winter months
and lightest in the spring and sum-
mer.
The two major factors peculiar to
winter in Montana are reduced visi-
bility" and inadequate traction"
They are the most probable causes
for the increased driving hazards.
Inadequate traction on road sur
faces is primarily due to ice and snow
and to wetness. Combined with faul-
| ty driving practices, poor traction
generally results in skidding, circum-
stance frequently involved in winter
accidents.
Reduced visibility in winter driving
generally involves one or more of
three circumstances: longer hours of
darkness; inclement weather condi-
lions due to snow or sleet storms,
fog, mist, ETC.; and distractions to
drivers vision from snow or frost
covered windsields. Good visibility is
Of prime Importance and lack of it,
without doubt, has caused many acct
dents.
The fundamental safe driving rules
under winter weather and road condi-
lions are:
l. Adjust speeds to conditions. On
c1innprv c1rfaooc ond mhop v;cibiIi+,,
is poor, conservative speeds are i'm
perative to safe driving
2. Slow down well in advance of in
tersections and curves. Speeds should
be reduced to point where a COM
plete stop could be safely made If
necessary upon approaching an inter-
section Vehicles should be slowed to
sped at which they can safely me-
gotiate a curve in advance of the
turn. Rounding a curve under slight
power of the engine will help guard
against side skids.
g. Follow other vehicles at safe
distance. Allow enough room between
vehicles so that if the vehicle ahead
should suddenly stop, stop can be
made or vehicle Unanswered out of
danger.
4. Apply brakes lightly and inter-
mittently. 1t is important for driv-
ers to use their brakes sparingly when
roads are slippery or icy. On a slip
perry roadway brakes should be ap-
piled with light pressure of the foot
until the point of skidding is almost
reached, then released and applied
over in like manner. This sort of
brake application will povide maxi
mum efficiency and help prevent side
skids.
5. Signal intentions of turning or
stopping The Importance of signal
ng an intended turn or stop is self
evident especially when ability to stop
II maneuver is restricted by an icy
oadway.
Necessary Equipment for Winter
l. Tire chains are indispensable un-
Ter severe conditions of ice or snow.
they reduce braking distances from
10 to SO per cent, as compared to
distances possible with bare
Tres. They provide added traction
or getting under way or climbing a
trade as we'll as protection against
ide skids.
g. Frost shields on windshields, side
windows and rear windows are nee
ssary in below-freezing temperatures
0 that drivers may have an unob-
tructed view to the front and rear,
S well as to both sides.
3. Brakes should especially be in
pected and kept in first class condi-
ion during the winter. This is nee
to maintain proper directional
ontrol on slippery surfaces when the
rakes are applied.
4. Warm clothing and blankets may
roperly be classified as emergency
quipment for motorists who travel
uring severely cold weather and DUR
lg heavy snow storms. With the
omfort and warmth provided in auto
obiles and trucks today, many driv-
IS and passengers are not aware of
le freezing hazard that would arise
case of becoming stalled on the
'ad in cold weather.
Start Sooner Drive Slower. Live
onger!