“JAY WALKING.”

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1932, Page 6

“JAY WALKING.”

NOW AN OFFENCE IN SYDNEY,

SYDNEY, August 23,

Sydney’s .new Metroplitan Traffic Act has placed upon the pedestrian responsibility in the avoidance of street accidents. In making “jay-walking” an offence Sydney, of course, is merely following the example of the United States, where this picturesque phrase was. originally coined. The new regulations are comprehensive and clearly designed to reduce the presence of pedestrians on roadways to a minimum. The tendency in this country has been to load the motorist with the ma ' jor part of the responsibility .for avoiding The pedestrian, and the.very fact that the latter is not compelled to observe various rules for his own safety does not encourage hinj to make .any for himself. ■ ~ ..

It. is a one-sided proposition, which no doubt has accounted for more accidents, than there need have been. Further, it conduces to a mental, attitude on the part bf.the pedesrian toward the motorist. • .that ....piakes cooperation for mutual safety rat 1 er difficult. The pedestrian does> not always realise, as he should, the difficulties' of. the motorist, and these are intensified by the absence of rules governing compulsory the former’s movements. The onus should be placed fairly upon* each.- ;-*>«■ < j \