SALT LAKE CITY — While the snow has been sparse this year, safety is still the top priority for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office, as it enforces the new traction sticker program for the Cottonwood canyons.
On Friday, the office invites the public to get free inspections so people aren't forced to turn around if the canyons get dicey.
Every year, the Utah Department of Transportation holds winter tire inspection events to make sure people are safe while driving up the canyons. This is the first year that the sheriff's office is getting involved, too.
"What we're trying to do is make sure that folks who are going up to the canyon have safe tires," Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said.
On Friday, the sheriff's office invited everyone to come get their tires inspected free of charge. If your tires pass, you will get an official traction law sticker.
The sticker goes right on your windshield, telling those checking your car that it has the proper traction devices to go up the canyons when traction laws are in effect. It helps make sure police don't have to turn you away if you're headed up to the resorts on a powder day.
Rivera said it's a simple step that could ultimately save your life.
"When you're proactive, especially with your own vehicle, making sure it's safe to drive on our roads, it saves lives," Rivera said. "In our canyons, if we have a very large storm, those roads are treacherous."
"It's a great relief for law enforcement to see that individuals are taking vehicle safety serious and going up to the canyons," she said.
If you missed Friday's event, there are multiple tire shops that will also give the stickers for free.
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Brian Carlson
