By MICHELLE COOK
With the recent snowstorm, opportunities for outdoor winter recreation abound. As students participate in winter activities, they are encouraged by local authorities to also be aware of the hazards of a large snowfall.
Rental recreation equipment is readily available on campus. Outdoors Unlimited, located at 1151 ELWC, rents various equipment, usually on a 24-hour basis.
Students can rent equipment such as skis, ski boots and poles, snowshoes, snowboards, sleds, ski pants, goggles, gloves, hats and car racks.
Students renting equipment from Outdoors Unlimited need to fill out a form and leave a BYU Activity Card, Major Credit Card, or Driver’s License. Published rental fees are available inside and outside the store. Special weekend rates (Friday through Monday) are also available.
Officers from the Provo City Police Department and the University Police urge students to be cautious and to use good judgment when dealing with the snow.
“Be as courteous to other people as you want them to be to you, and you probably won’t have any problems,” Officer Mark Robinson, patrol officer for the Provo City Police Department, said.
Some of the greatest hazards during and after a snowstorm are the driving conditions.
In a press release Sunday, the Provo City Police Department reminded citizens of the hazardous winter driving conditions. They also offered some safety suggestions.
If possible, use snowtires, chains, and/or all-traction tires on vehicles. Allow extra time. Make sure all the vehicle’s windows and lights are clear of snow before getting onto the road.
The press release also mentioned some tips on what to do if a vehicle becomes stranded in the snow. Sand, salt, traction mats and floor mats may be helpful for providing traction. If someone is working to free the vehicle, outer clothing should be undone to avoid excess perspiration. The key is to stay dry.
Patrol Sergeant Jeff Vest, of the University Police, noted some student activities that he considers unsafe. Doing “doughnuts,” according to Vest, is considered reckless driving. He said it is also against the law to go “bizzing” or dragging oneself behind a car by holding onto the bumper.
Vest describes his concern with those who have four-wheel vehicles and who feel they do not need to slow down in the snow. He said it does not matter how many wheels one has to power the vehicle.
“When it’s icy and slick,” he said, “it’s icy and slick.”
For road conditions, Robinson to call the highway and road conditions number, a service of the Utah Highway Patrol. The toll-free number is 1-800-492-2400.
