MOTOR AND CYCLE ACCIDENTS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16152, 5 March 1918, Page 5

MOTOR AND CYCLE ACCIDENTS.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS." Sir, —I have been waiting for some time for the newspapers to make some reference to the increasing number of motor and cycle accidents which take place almdst daily in Christchurch and district. Apart from the war and the Otira tunnel, there does not seem to be much on to engage the special attention of the Press. I notice that when a motorist knocks down and maims someone he has to pay heavy damages, but if he should chance to ii. flict mortal injuries he is charged with manslaughter, which invariably results in his getting off. without any penalty. ;.} But why, Mr Editor, there be any accidents at all? If ordinary daro {3 exercised there should hardly ever be • such a thing as an accident. May I refer to the various causes of the recent mishaps which have come under my own knowledge?: 1. Driving at too rapid a pace through the streets. '2. DTriving or riding on the wrong side. 3.; Lack of proper control of machines. No one who drives rapidly can pull up his machine in time to avert an accident if any obstruction suddenly comes in the way. Motorists should always remember this. At least 25 per cent, of the users of motors or cycles ride on the wrong side, or turn the wrong corner, every day. This is a shameful and senseless thing to do, and is the cause of many minor as well as most of ike moro serious accidonts. It is also very irritating to anyone who,_ keeping close to the gutter on his left side, is suddenly confronted with some fellow coming opposite on rhe same track.. The onlv object '.he transgressor can have is to save u few inches, and at most, two seconds of time! What is all the hurry? May I also direct attention to the thoroughfares which should have ihe special attention of the police? These are Riccarton road, Victoria street, and Papanui road, and Bealey avenue. The scorching which goes on in these thoroughfares, especially by cyclemotor fiends, makes one stand aghast. It is a serious menace to the public. I trust this matter will have the earnest attention of the police and Ciy Council authorities at once.— Yours, etc., AGGRIEVED. _ P.S.—lt would pay the City Council handsomely to employ an army of inspectors to "run in" every offender against the rules of the road. The revenue from fines would be enormous. Of what use is one inspector only in a large district like Christchurch?