The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1942-12-24
Gives Further
Good Advise On
Winter Drivinu

vehicle travel is slightly less than
average during this month. The ma
ton wide mileage death rate is
greatest in the late fall and winter
months and lightest in the spring
and summer.
The two major factors peculiar to
winter in Montana are: reduced
visibility and inadequate trac-
ton. 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 faulty driving practices, poor
traction generally results in skid
ding, a circumstance frequently in
VOWED in winter accidents.
Reduced visibility in winter driv
ing generally involves one or more
of three circumstances: longer hours
/ Vi Qdlhlltoo, liiSitiiiNiit NSdtiiNi Vii
ditions due to snow or sleet storms,
fog, mist, ETC.; and distractions to
drivers vision from snow or frost
covered Windshields. Good visibil
i ity is of prime importance and lack
of it, without doubt, has caused
many accidents.
/ The fundamental safe driving
rules under winter weather and
road conditions are:
i | Adjust speeds to conditions.
On slippery surfaces and when Wis
Utility is poor, conservative speeds
are important to safe driving.
2. Slow down we'll in advance of
intersections and curves. Speeds
should be reduced to point where
complete stop could be safely
made if necessary upon approach
| ing an intersection.
Vehicles should be slowed to a
speed at which they can safely ne
gotiate q curve in advance of the
: turn. Rounding curve under slight
power of the engine will help guard
against side skids.
3. Follow other vehicles at safe
distance. Allow enough room be.
I tween vehicles SO that if the We
hicle ahead should suddenly stop
= stop can be made or vehicle ma
c neuvered out Of danger.
!, 4. Apply brakes lightly and IN
termittently. It is important TO
: drivers to use their brakes sparing
o " when roads are slippery or icy
n On a slippery roadway brake
should be applied with light pres
:. sure of the foot until the point o
: skidding is almost reached, theI
released and applied over lik'
manner. This sort of brake aplica
!, ton will provide maximum eff
ficiency and help prevent sid
- skids.
e 5. Signal intentions of turning Q
G stopping. The importance of signal
y ing an intended turn or stop is self
! evident especially when ability t
= stop or maneuver is restricted b
an icy roadway
The Necessary Equipment for SAT
Winter Driving
n /. Tire chains are indispensable
r under severe conditions Of ice O
snow. They reduce braking dis
. tances from 40 to SO per cent, a
j compared to braking distances pos
d sible with bare tires They provid
n added traction for getting unde
q way or climbing a grade as we'll .
protection against side skids.
W 2. Frost shields on windshield
side windows and rear windows ar
- necessary in below-freezing ten
peratures SO that drivers may hav
! an unobstructed view to the fror
~ and rear, as well as to both side
Id 3. Brakes should especially be If
IN spected and kept in first class col
!, dition during the winter This
!. necessary to maintain proper d
y regional control on slippery SUI
es faces when the brakes are applied
ne A. Warm clothing and blanke
he may properly be classified
u, emergency equipment for notoris
= who travel during severely co
- weather and during heavy sno
ny storms. With the comfort al
la
-
$50 - U.s. w-x x~x ~xx rx~ y