ROADS ARE NOT RACING TRACKS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19150, 5 November 1927, Page 8

ROADS ARE NOT RACING TRACKS.

While it is pleasing to see the improvements that have recently been made to certain of the main roads of Canterbury, there is no doubt that the necessity exists to bring home to many drivers who use them the fact that they are not racing tracks. Unfortunately, too many motorists immediately they turn into one of these better class roads get the idea that they should at once increase speed, totally disregarding the comfort of their passengers and the convenience and safety of anyone else using such thoroughfares. Just what will happen when Canterbury is able to boast a big mileage of such roads it is difficult to imagine if the present recklessness among drivers is allowed to continue. The manner in which vehicles cut in and pass one another is a serious matter, and it is a "source of wonder that more accidents are not recorded. It is hard to say what action should be taken to stop such dangerous driving except to prosecute the offenders with a hope that the Magistrates before whom the cases are heard will mete out adequate punishment. t

CORRECT PROCEDURE. With regard to the procedure to be observed when approaching corners, I am of opinion that it is absolutely necessary for a driver to hold up his hand when he sees a vehicle coming from a different direction or with the idea of giving warning to any vehicle coming behind him. Mere holding up of the hand, however, will give little information, unless it be to stop, and should a pedestrian desire to convey any other information there is liable to be confusion, with possibly serious results. Only one safe rule can be depended on if accidents are to be avoided at corners and cross-roads, and that is for the driver to keep strictly to his proper place on the road and to have .his car so well in hand that he has it under control no matter what the emergency.

DON'T BE CARELESS. The principal cause of accidents is carelessness, but six other factors'are: high speed, inattention, poor judgment, ignorance of traffic rules, parking, and blinding headlights. Excessive speeding has led to scores of accidents in and around Christchurch, and in a great number of cases it is a'fact that the occupants of the cars concerned are young people, often returning home from a dance or i some other form of entertainment. Cars of modern manufacture are capable of producing a high speed, but although such is the. case it should surely not be necessary for the driver -to risk the lives of his passengers just to show that his vehicle is able to pass every other vehicle proceeding in the same direction as he is. Undue risks are also,taken when returning from race meetings, and every year the City Traffic Inspectors are responsible for a big crop of offenders being brought before the Court.

A driver may set the pace over a good hard road if there is no danger to anyone but himself. Many, however, drive over wet and slippery roads at the same pace as when they are proceeding over dry ones, and they frequently strike trouble when they suddenly run into loose shingle, which is to be met with on so many Canterbury highways. Those who drive at a dangerous speed not only , endanger their own and their passengers' lives, but are a menace to the lives of other drivers who drive at a reasonable speed, and who are always in dread of coming to grief through their carelessness. It will be found that the great majority of drivers who have never had an accident are men who have made it a practice to use caution and have a rooted objection to speeding.

C.A.A. ACTIVITIES. The Canterbury Automobile Association has always advocated careful driving, and is anxious that its members shall do all they can to bring about an improvement in the present unsatisfactory position and so make the roads safer for all who use them. The Association's activities, however, embrace a multitude of other movements.

Mr B. Falck Advises Care.

It has erected scores of direction boards throughout the' province. It is the means of securing beneficial legislation for the motorist. It provides most advantageous facilities and a complete and informative bureau, with road and touring information for members and motorists generally. Its reciprocal: relations with kindred institutions in the Dominion and with automobile clubs in other parts of the world ensure to members invaluable privileges when travelling. The Association encourages the development of the automobile movement. It is the centre of information and advice on matters pertaining to automobilism. It exercises its influence in the protection and defence of the rights of motorists. It assists in obtaining improved roads and reasonable legislation. It has a register of country hotels. It gives touring and road information to members regarding routes,. and arranges tours and excursions for them. It allows members the privilege of displaying a distinguishing badge to facilitate their recognition. It erects direction and danger signs.

It has a special motor insurance scheme under which members can insure at profit participating rates. It cultivates reciprocal relations with kindred institutions at home and abroad, and members on application may obtain cards of introduction, which are of inestimable value, as they entitle them to honorary membership with attendant privileges.

Being a combination of all motorists the Association has more weight in dealing with taxation, Government enactments and traffic regulations than has individual representation.

By its energy and painstaking attention to matters affecting your everyday life as a motorist it calls for your individual support.

It gains a lot. for you by having its standpoint put forward and discussed in conference with local bodies, Ministers of the Crown, Commissioner of Police, City Council, and other authorities.

It has saved you- a lot of money by its representations arid efforts when taxation was decided upon.

It has given you, as a motorist, much comfort and freedom from petty irritation irrespective of whether you are a member or not.

It saves you miles of unnecessary travelling, gallons of petrol, wear of tyres, depreciation on your car, and valuable time by supplying accurate road information and by signposting the roads. It is a non-profit institution, being conducted solely for the benefit of the motoring public, and pays substantial dividends in the form of service.

It has dozens of deputations every year to various Government bodies in connexion with roads, traffic, and legislative matters.

It makes one of its chief objects the obtaining of good roads.

During the war it conveyed soldiers to and from ships, trains, and hospitals, and showed what motorists as a united body are able to do in times of stress and emergency. By its persistent endeavours it forced a reduction in the insurance rates on motor-cars. B. FALCK, President, Canterbury Automobile Association. •'