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Story
November 12, 1954
The Harlem News
Harlem, Blaine County, Montana
What is this article about?
Harlem Police Chief Edward Grill warns motorists against delaying winter car preparations, emphasizing November snowstorm dangers, and provides safety rules including tire chains and cautious braking.
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Harlem Police Chief Lists Safe Winter Driving Rules
Chief of Police Edward Grill, who dislikes gambling on general principles, warned yesterday that probably hundreds of persons in Harlem are big time gamblers without realizing it.
They're the motorists who gamble their lives on a guess that maybe it won't snow or freeze until next week," Chief Grill said.
"They put off getting their cars ready for winter until AFTER the snow is on the ground. That can be a fatal mistake just once.
November snowstorms, the chief added, can be more hazardous to motorists than January blizzards, because they come unexpectedly and find many motorists unprepared, both mechanically and psychologically.
"If you want to gamble that it won't snow," the chief said, "there is no law against it. But it snowed last winter, and the winter before that, and it looks to me like a poor bet."
He urged every motorist in Harlem to observe the following safety rules-NOW.
1. Don't blame accidents on the weather; be ready for bad weather.
2. When snow comes, get the "feel" of the road before starting out.
3. Keep the windshield clear of fog and frost, and be sure headlights, windshield wiper blades, and defrosters are working.
4. On snow and ice, use tire chains. They cut stopping distance in half, and give 4 to 7 times greater traction.
5. When you have to stop, don't jam on the brakes. "Pump" your brakes to avoid skids.
6. Follow other cars at a safe distance. Give yourself room in which to stop, if the other fellow doesn't.
Asked if tire chains are necessary if a car has "winterized" tires. Chief Grill said that the report of the National Safety Council's committee on winter driving hazards has found that tires with special treads cannot approach tire chains for safety.
Asked about "inertia" or gyro-type anti-skid devices, Chief Grill said they have been puffed up too much.
These pipe-like gadgets were widely sold and installed under the rear frame or luggage trunk of automobiles last year, on the theory that they prevent skids. National Safety Council winter tests, the chief said, show these so-called stabilizing devices are of no help whatever on snow or ice, and are dangerous in that they give the user a false sense of security.
Chief of Police Edward Grill, who dislikes gambling on general principles, warned yesterday that probably hundreds of persons in Harlem are big time gamblers without realizing it.
They're the motorists who gamble their lives on a guess that maybe it won't snow or freeze until next week," Chief Grill said.
"They put off getting their cars ready for winter until AFTER the snow is on the ground. That can be a fatal mistake just once.
November snowstorms, the chief added, can be more hazardous to motorists than January blizzards, because they come unexpectedly and find many motorists unprepared, both mechanically and psychologically.
"If you want to gamble that it won't snow," the chief said, "there is no law against it. But it snowed last winter, and the winter before that, and it looks to me like a poor bet."
He urged every motorist in Harlem to observe the following safety rules-NOW.
1. Don't blame accidents on the weather; be ready for bad weather.
2. When snow comes, get the "feel" of the road before starting out.
3. Keep the windshield clear of fog and frost, and be sure headlights, windshield wiper blades, and defrosters are working.
4. On snow and ice, use tire chains. They cut stopping distance in half, and give 4 to 7 times greater traction.
5. When you have to stop, don't jam on the brakes. "Pump" your brakes to avoid skids.
6. Follow other cars at a safe distance. Give yourself room in which to stop, if the other fellow doesn't.
Asked if tire chains are necessary if a car has "winterized" tires. Chief Grill said that the report of the National Safety Council's committee on winter driving hazards has found that tires with special treads cannot approach tire chains for safety.
Asked about "inertia" or gyro-type anti-skid devices, Chief Grill said they have been puffed up too much.
These pipe-like gadgets were widely sold and installed under the rear frame or luggage trunk of automobiles last year, on the theory that they prevent skids. National Safety Council winter tests, the chief said, show these so-called stabilizing devices are of no help whatever on snow or ice, and are dangerous in that they give the user a false sense of security.
What sub-type of article is it?
Safety Advisory
Public Warning
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Survival
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Winter Driving
Safety Rules
Tire Chains
Snowstorms
Harlem Police
Braking Techniques
What entities or persons were involved?
Edward Grill
Where did it happen?
Harlem
Story Details
Key Persons
Edward Grill
Location
Harlem
Story Details
Chief Edward Grill warns Harlem motorists to prepare cars for winter now to avoid fatal accidents in unexpected November snowstorms, listing six safety rules and debunking ineffective anti-skid devices.