LEVEL CROSSINGS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 100, 30 April 1930, Page 13

LEVEL CROSSINGS

CHRISTCHURCH MOVE

COMPULSORY STOP URGED

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.") CHBISTCHUBCH, This Day. "The drivers of omnibuses have murder machines in their hands," said Mr. F. W. Freeman, president of the Canterbury Automobile Association, to a reporter yesterday, in talking of railway crossing danger* . ■ Mi1. Freeman's attention .was drawn to tho decision of the Christchurch City Council to press for the compulsory stopping at level crossings of all vehicles for hire carrying passengers. Mr. Freeman said.that he considered that the. move was directed chiefly to omnibus services. There was no doubt that the drivers of omnibuses and of service oars should take the1 utmost precaution to ensure that crossings are clear. They are veritable "murder machines" in their .hands, and if the j human element failed disaster followed. Such drivers should be more careful than private individuals. As. omnibus drivers had peoplo in their care, i those drivers were in the same trusted capacity as captains of ships, drivers of trains and trams. Level crossing accidents had become alarming, despite all the warning notices. Special restrictions were necessary in the ease of public vehicles. .- ' ■ Mr. Freeman suggested that on all omnibuses, particularly those in use over a long distance, cabins should be [provided for , the drivers. This would preclude the. habit people had of talking to tho drivers. Such talking was distracting to drivers, whoso faculties must always be alert and ready for every emergency on the road. ,