The Ronan Pioneer

CARBON MONOXIDE GAS IS DANGEROUS

Practice of Starting Engines in Closed Garages Deadly Error.

With the season of cold weather comes the increased danger to motorists from deadly carbon monoxide gas, warns the Chicago Motor club. The practice of starting engines in garages before opening garage doors results in many fatalities each year, according to reports received by the motorists' organization. Motorists should pay strict attention to ventilation in the garage, and above all, should not "warm up" the car unless ample avenues of escape are available for exhaust gases. A cross-draft through the garage is most desirable.

Has Numbing Effect.

"Carbon monoxide gas has a numbing effect on the senses and many instances are recorded where motorists have died before they could span the short distance from the driver's seat to the fresh air," says a bulletin issued by the club.

"One of the best practices is to open the garage doors before starting the motor. Another is to connect the exhaust pipe with a pipe leading through the door, so that fumes will be carried out of the building. This can be done by means of rubber tubing and an extension on the exhaust.

Few Inhalations Fatal.

"Owners who do their own mechanical work should be particularly careful that they do not leave the motor running without providing adequate ventilation. Only a few inhalations of carbon monoxide gas are required to cause fatal results.

"These suggestions are offered in the hope of reducing deaths attributable to the motor car. Very little co-operation is needed to prevent unnecessary monoxide fatalities, but the public must first be aware of the peril from those deadly fumes."