If the current weather remains, there is another item to think about

for New Year’s Eve. Fog can settle on the roadway and freeze, but the road

itself will look bare and dry. It is called black ice, and it can catch you

off guard, especially on overpasses and bridges, and even later in the day

when sunlight does not reach the surface of the road. The curve westbound on

I-90 just east of Exit 20 is a classic example, and gets its fair share of

victims every winter.

Studded tires do help, but the bottom line is slow down and be alert

to the danger. The anti-lock braking systems do assist, and if you do not

have such equipment on your car, pump your brakes to slow down. Do

not panic and slam on the brakes.

PPP

Due to the nature of New Year’s, probably more so than usual, is

the tendency for folks to include alcohol in their celebrations. There is

nothing wrong about that, as long as you don’t have too much and try to drive

home. If in a group, designate a driver. If alone, and someone suggests you

have had too much to drink, listen. Don’t get defensive. They care about you

and others on the road. If you mix slower reaction time with winter travel

conditions, you are talking injury and death. Take a cab, or if there is a

place to stay close at hand, do so. Your safety, the safety of everyone else

on the road, rides in the balance. Worth the extra cost? You bet it is. Yes,

I know, you’ve heard it a hundred times, and here I am getting on your

case. Just remember what you have read here on New Year’s Eve. That’s

when it counts.

PPP

Y2K is the big event of the year, yet a shadow looms over the

much-publicized end to the century. Terrorism threats to the region are real,

and a little extra caution is needed. Be aware of what is going on around

you, especially where there is a large gathering of people in the big city. If

you see something that is quite out of the ordinary, call 911. Someone

wearing a backpack or carrying a briefcase, for example, is not all that unusual.

The person looking around a lot as he moves through a crowd may be a

sign. If the pack or case is set down, and the subject quickly leaves the area,

call 911. Do not assume and yell “bomb” and cause a panic. You could cause

a good deal of injury taking that route.

All local agencies are going to have a lot of extra officers on

hand. They will get there quickly. If vehicles are parked in a strange location

around the event, have someone check them out. Stay calm and aware of your

surroundings, but don’t get to the state where you are not having fun.

Oh, by the way, low alcohol intake will assist you in keeping a clear

mind when reacting to such circumstances. Just a thought.

PPP

Thought for the week: I want to wish all of you a very Happy

New Year, and a year that will bring you fulfillment in your life and allow

your greatest dreams to be realized. Just remember, what you want the most

requires a bit of luck and a lot of work on your part to make it happen.

Wishing is fun; actual effort is the key to accomplishment.

Preston News Notes author,

Bill Hebert, can be reached at

P.O. Box 918, Preston, WA 98050