OCR Text |
Show Intensified efforts planned UHP troopers to hunt drunk drivers CEDAR CITY - High way safety violations' common to Utah's annual deer hnt will be the target for an intensified en forcement effort planned this year by the Utah Highway Patrol. There are a number of safety hazards that crop the hunting season should be especiallly alert to vehciles stopping or parking along the road. Also, vehicles are turning off and driving onto the highway from unmarked, unusual locations. The Highway Patrol cautions people who must stop to get as far off the road as possible. Watch approaching traffic. Provide warning to ap proaching drivers if necessary. An especially dangerous situation develops when hunters attempt to hunt and drive at the same time. They watch for deer, not other cars. When road hunters spot a deer, it will often be difficult to move off the higihway or (()() feet away from any building as the law requires. up each year during the hunt, explained UHP officials. Firearms violations, driving errors due to unfamiliarity with equipment, vehicle safety equipment violations and the drinking driver are some of the more com mon problems. "Some hunters misinterpret the meaning of spirit when they attempt at-tempt to get into the spirit of the hunt," said Colonel Dennis Nordfelt, superintendent of the Highway Patrol. "The hunter who drinks and drives to his hunting destination will be the focal point of our effort." "Alcohol is deadly, not only on the highway, but out in the field when a man has a rifle in his hands," explained Nordfelt. "All law en forcement agencies in the state will coordinate their endeavors against intoxicated in-toxicated hunters." other safety equipment are often substandard on seldom used vehicles. Drivers may be unaware safety equipment requirements are the same on a dirt road as the highway. A vehicle driven anywhere in the state, other than private property, must be safety inspected and have a valid sticker. The same applies to motor vehicles (such as Jeeps) being towed. They must have a safety inspection in-spection and must be currently registered. Registration laws apply both on and off the high way. The UHP warms that rralfic will l)e extremely heavy on Friday, Oct. 22, th eday prior to the hunting opener. Unnecessary Un-necessary travel by non hunters is discouraged exspecially during afternoon af-ternoon and evening hours. Highway users during Troopers will be watching for violations of the Open Containers Law. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone in a vehicle with an opened receptable containing alcoholic beverages. Violation of the law is punishable by a maximum $299 fine and six months in jail. Many people utilize motor vehicles and trailers during the hunt that may only be used once or twice each year. Problems regularly develop from this practice, warned UHP officials. People may be un familiar with how a piece of equipment handles on the highway. Someone pulling a trialor might not properly . judge the loss of power or the extra length behind their vehicle when passing another car. Brakes, liehts and |