LOCOMOTIVE HEADLIGHTS

Evening Star, Issue 22445, 16 September 1936, Page 8

LOCOMOTIVE HEADLIGHTS

BETTER ILLUMINATION REQUIRED MOTORISTS’ REPRESENTATION That all locomotives should have more headlights or some other means .of illumination in front was the opinion expressed by Mr H. J. Jenkins at the monthly meeting of the Automobile Association (North Otago) last night, when the question of remits _ to the annual conference was being discussed. “On stormy or_ windy nights one cannot hear the train coming,” Mr Jenkins said in elaborating on his suggestion. Only the glare of the headlights was visible, and the very directness of the beam was sufficient to disconcert motorists. He suggested that all railway engines should have two front lights besides the headlight, thereby throwing an illumination over a wider area. Red lights would be more effective, as they showed up to better advantage at night. “ I think the Railway Department should move with the motorists,” said Mr Jenkins. ‘‘lt would be interesting to know how many accidents have occurred at level crossings.” He considered that the present means of illumination on locomotives was a source of danger to motorists, especially on stormy nights, and moved that the matter be forwarded as a remit to the annual conference of Motor Associations. Other members supported Mr Jenkins in his contention, stating that the single direct beam of light from a locomotive was a danger to motorists, as it often prevented one from determining the moving body behind. As it was considered to be too late to forward the suggestion as a remit, the delegates were instructed to bring the matter up during the general business.