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Show Darkness Doubles Traffic Troubles, Official Says ? Utah motorists were reminded this week by Linn C. Baker, Vice President, Pre-sident, Utah Safety Council Coun-cil that darkness doubles traffic troubles. "With the advent of winter weather, motorists are faced with the added driving driv-ing hazard of poor visibility vi-sibility during the months ahead," Baker said. Longer hours of darkness dark-ness combined with snow, fog and frost can result in a truly hazardous situation si-tuation in today's heavy traffic, he pointed out. "The smart motorist compensates for these added dangers by making certain that his lights are functioning properly and aimed correctly, by using a brush or scraper to clear the windows and windshield before starting start-ing out, and by maintaining maintain-ing extra care behind the wheel," Baker said. "Before starting out on a cold day, it's a good idea to start the engine a few minutes ahead of time to give it a chance to get partially warmed before turning on the heater and defroster," he advised. "This simple sim-ple procedure can reduce the likelihood of condensation conden-sation on the inside of the windshield." He also reminded driv-ers driv-ers to make sure they have an adequate amount of anti-freeze solution in their windshield washer to function during th coldest weather that might be anticipated Don t use your wind, shield washers in extre mely cold weather when driving in heavy traffic unless you are absolutely certain that the wind', shield is warm enough so that the spray won't freeze on contact," the safety official cautioned "Many drivers have been literally 'driving blind' when the first shot of windshield spray turn to instant ice as soon as it hits the windshield." If there's any doubt aboa it, he recommended th: it's better to slow do: and pull off onto tte shoulder before tryh the washers. "When visibility is poor, the best advice is to slow down, mainta ; a much greater than use! ; following distance as ' signal your intentions a turn well in advance. Another practical suggestion sug-gestion is to pump yojT brakes when slowing or stopping so that the flash- ing brake lights will pro- ) vide an added warnings following traffic," te Council Vice Preside:; concluded. L |