OCR Text |
Show Extra Care Heeded for Thanksgiving Trips Thanksgiving trips, slippery highways and poor visibility add up to a triple threat to motorists, according to Bob Ingersoll, Managing Director of the Utah Safety Council. "It is unfortunate-and often tragic-that our first winter storms in Utah often hit during the long Thanksgiving holiday, when neither cars nor drivers are prepared," the safety official warned. He urged motorists to get their cars ready for winter driving as a first step before planning a Thanksgiving trip. "Half the battle is won when your car is in first class mechanical condition, especially espec-ially those items that directly affect traction and visibility, such as brakes, tires, lights, defroster and windshield wipers. wip-ers. "When pavements are slippery, slip-pery, good tires with good treads are a must. Snow tires are helpful for pulling through snow and studded tires where legal are still better for added traction on icy pavements. For severe snow and ice conditions, condi-tions, however, reinforced tire chains are far more effective. Carry them in your trunk in case you encounter deep snow or glare ice," Ingersoll advised. advis-ed. To be prepared for the other added hazards associated with winter driving-poor visibility Ingersoll urged drivers to clear snow and ice from all windows, including the side and rear windows as well as the windshield. "Good visibility visibili-ty to the side and rear is also . essential in today's heavy traffic," he said. "Replace streaking windshield wipers and be sure the windshield washers have an adequate supply of anti-freeze solution." solu-tion." Finally, he urged motorists to get themselves ready before an out-of-town Thanksgiving trip. "Get plenty of rest, schedule your trip sensiblv so that you don't have to drive until exhausted, plan to take a break or change drivers every couple of hours, and check the weather and road reports." "Most of all," Ingersoll concluded, "use your common sense. If a severe winter storm is in progress, postpone or cancel your trip. You might avoid serious inconvenience or a tragedy." |