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Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1930, Page 4

Tirn newly created Transport Board is moving in the direction of tightening up the regulations governing the issue of motor drivers’ licenses. The occasion for this, judging by the number of serious accidents reported up and down New Zealand, has arrived. The practice in the past is to be very considerably revised when the new regulations come into, force. The health and condition of the applicant is to he taken specially into account, while in the case of drivers of passenger buses, a medical certificate as to the state of health has to he produced annually. The ordinary hotne driver will in the future have to em'bmit to it more rigorous form (Jf examination, ahd ill addition to understanding gears and the mechanical details of his machine, must know all about the rules of the roads, and details of the law as affecting motorists, together with n; knowledge of speed regulations, and other matters governing the proper control of motoring. These conditions will tend to a more efficient class of drivet being on the road and should assist to minimise accidents. Far too many drivers fail to observe the proper signals necessary to he given in respect to overtaking cars. Whether this is from ignorance or carelessness is not clear. Another matter in which drivers are remiss, is in approaching street or road intersections, and the failure to sound the signal. The “offside” rule is often ignored also at street intersections, and from time to time, litigation ensues in consequence. For the future tlio issue of a license will not carry a certain renewal. Renewals hereafter will only be obtainable through certain formalities which include calling oiiithe applicant to state lus present state of health and Ids ability to continue driving. The wisdom of all this following the necessity of general safeguards, is apparent after the long list of motoring accidents chronicled from week to week, and the authorities are doing a publice service in this matter, the lignt to drive a motor vehicle in the future is 'going to he more zealously safeguarded, and those licensed will have to ■ conform to stricter rules and regulations. The steps proposed should ensure greater e&re being taken * by those qualified to drive, and suggest that the rule of safety first is to commence at. the very beginning In the Ufo of tho budding motorist,