The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1943-01-22
STOP ACCIDENTS
YOU CAN help
WIN THE WAR

While youngsters enjoyed shedding
on snow blanketing several sections
of the state, Col Charles T. Sheridan,
supervisor of the Montana Highway
Patrol, urged careful driving as pa
triotic duty. He ordered essential
motorists, as we'll as "a card" driv-
ers who use cars during bad weather
emergencies to exercise utmost care
in all their driving to prevent wrecks
and avoid traffic snarls.
ut is desirable to eliminate traffic
tie-ups and accidents at any time, but
with increased essential activity due
to war work this winter-it becomes
imperative for conservation of man
hours, autos and tires that skidding
smashups and road blockades be
avoided" Col Sheridan declared.
Research by the National Safety
Councils Committee on Winter Driv-
ing Hazards proves that inadequate
traction and reduced visibility are the
two primary dangers" said Col. Sheri-
dan, land all drivers should imme-
diately check condition of such vital
equipment as tire chains, windshield
wipers, defrosters and lights, to be
sure they will be ready for use when
needed in severe weather.
street and highway departments
will battle Old Man Winters more
severe storm in every practical way
to enable traffic to get through, but
autoists too must cooperate with log
ical precautions" he said. Costly
tie-ups and the annual increase of
accidents during periods of snow, ice,
and longer darkness from December
to March must be minimized."
ABc Rules for Winter
Col Sheridan's rules for winter driv-
ing follow:
A. Test brakes for simultaneous
gripping. Have tire chains in car and
use when needed, check conditions of
windshield wiper and defroster
Lights should be in perfect condition
for longer hours of darkness now pre-
vailing.
B. Travel even less than 35 m.ph
on snow or ice covered highways and
city streets, and watch for children
on sleds.
G. Leave plenty of room between
you and the car ahead Necessity
for sudden stops on ice should be
avoided. When not protected by tire
chains, pumping" the brakes on-off- |
and-on to point of impending skid will
give better directional control than
locking brakes.
d. Take icy curves slowly, even
when aided by sand or chains, and
don't try to pass car ahead of you
on hill or curves when streets and
highways are covered with packed
snow or ice. Without sand or chains
on an icy road, it is unsafe to over
take and pass vehicles in urban areas
and hazardous in rural areas, unless
road is clear for at least half mile
e. Tire chains are indispensable
under extreme conditions of ice and
snow They make it possible to stop
in 40 to go per cent shorter distance,
and provide added traction-often es
sential for getting underway or climb
ing a grade.
Pedestrians, too, should exercise
greater caution since "off the job
accidents to workers also delays vic
-Ory, the supervisor warned Walk
slowly and carefully fall may in
;apacitate you for weeks. Watch out
or icy steps, particularly on stairs
Hold on to ratings Allow more dis
.ance for autos remember, it's as
slippery for them as for you Don't .
depend on their ability to stop on ice
and snow. If an auto makes no effort
20 give you free passage, don't try to
beat it across the street. You may
all, the car may skid.
One out of every nine jobs in Amer I
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