A DANGER

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1933, Page 7

A DANGER

ONE-EYED MOTOR DRIVER

(MELBOURNE, January 8,

The danger of motorists with defective eyesight being granted driving licenses was emphasised by Mr W. Young, J.P., at St. Kilda Court to-day. Frederick George Edwards, commercial traveller, of Brighton, was charged with having driven a motor-car while under the influence of liquor on December 24, Edwards has only one ey e -

Constable McLean isaid that about 2 p.m. on December 24 heinwais standing at the corner, of High and Carlisle Streets, St. Kilda, with two firemen. He was taking notes, of an accident. He looked up and saw a car crossing the footpath on -<th e corner. He jumped aside, but the door-handle of the car caught one of the firemen on the arm and dragged him on to Carlisle Street, where the car stalled. He went over to th e car and saw Edwards sitting in the driver’s seat. H e , told him to get out, but he remained seated, “looking stupid.” -Edwards was pulled from the car. He was very drunk, said McLean, and could not stand properly. He was taken to the police station. Dr John Jones, of Prince’s Street, St Kilda, i S aid that he examined Edwards at the police station about 2.15 p.m. Edwards could not carry out several tests.

Edwards told the Court he had had only thre e driwks, between 9,30 n.m. and 10.30 a.m, A car had forced his on to the pavement. He could see it o.n his right side. Mr Young: How could you see on y-our right side if you are blind in the right eye? • ■ ~ Edwards : I hold my head to one side-

Edwards, who admitted two convictions .for dangerous driving jn 1929, wa,* fined £2O, in default distress, with 15 s • costs. His license was cancelled.

(Mr Young said that he agreed with the conviction, but not . the penalty, which - was imposed by a majority of the Bench. ■*

. “This is a‘glaring, case,”, he said. “This man has two convictions, the circumstances -of which are bound U P in this . case. I think it is of vital importance to the public that he be deprived of his license. , . ‘“•He 'is,-not able to give his .attention to the road and in-no. other occupation would he be allowed' to handle a vehicle.”