ROAD SAFETY AT NIGHT

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27396, 8 July 1954, Page 16

ROAD SAFETY AT NIGHT

TRAFFIC OFFICER’S ADVICE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID, ACCIDENTS The road accident rate in night traffic is five times greater than during daylight, according to a statement issued yesterday by Mr E. Wilson, chief traffic officer of the Transport Department in Christchurch. “Statistics show that driving at night is five times as dangerous as driving ih daylight,” he said. "Although there are not five times as many accidents at night, figures show that when traffic volumes are taken into account, the night traffic accident rate is that much higher.” Because drivers’ range of visibility was- reduced at night, accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists and cases of vehicles running off the road or hitting bridges, power poles, and other obstructions were relatively numerous, said Mr Wilson.

“ITie most important rule for night driving is to slow down to a reasonable speed,” he said. “A safe speed for night driving cannot be laid down in miles an hour. This will vary according to conditions of the weather, the road, traffic, the vehicle, and the driver’s ability. Always have something in reserve for the unexpected.

Care of Headlights “Headlights should be kept in firstclass condition and checked for focus and adjustment,” said Mr Wilson. “The windscreen must be kept clean. A dirty or filmy windscreen will cut down*or distort a driver’s vision, and make it difficult to see, especially against the glare of oncoming traffic. “Never wear sun-glasses or dark glasses which reduce light. Although these may minimise glare from other traffic, they cut down a driver’s vision Always dip your lights for other traffic. When meeting oncoming headlights, reduce your speed and avoid looking directly into the other lights. Watch the left-hand side of the road and keep as far over as possible. “Keep your vehicle dark inside,” said Mr Wilson. “Avoid lighting matches and, on the open road, drive with your dash lights dimmed or turned off. Put your lights on early and give other drivers a chance to see your car on the road. • “Night driving does not have to be dangerous,” said Mr Wilson. “Many people prefer to drive at night and, if reasonable precautions are taken, it can be just as safe as any other time.

Rules for Pedestrians “I would like to say a word to pedestrians also,” he said. “They, perhaps, have even more reason to be careful on the roads after the sun goes down. In dusk or darkness, it is particularly difficult for drivers to see them on the road, and it is essential for their safety that they, too, take extra precautions. “The four main rules for pedestrians are: keep on the footpath wherever possible; stop and look noth ways for traffic before crossing the street; where there is no footpath, walk on the righthand side of the road, facing the traffic, wherever, you can see & reasonable distance along the road ahead, and keep as close to the edge of the road as possible; at night, It is important to wear light-coloured clothing or, better still, carry a torch, as this will make it easier for drivers to see you. “Take extra care on the road at night—the life you save may be your own** Mr Wilson concluded.