SOUNDING OF HORNS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 158, 5 June 1940, Page 5

SOUNDING OF HORNS.

NOISELESS DRIVING AT NIGHT. I The announcement lias been made of the forthcoming introduction of a new regulation which, except in 'cases of emergency, will prohibit the blowing of motor-car horns, iii built-up areas between the hours of. 11 p.m. and 7 a.rn. (says a statement issued by the Transport Department). An emergency is defined as a situation in which another road user, by committing an offence against the traffic regulations, has brought about the risk of accident. The new proposals- are creating widespread interest among motorists. The real purpose of the new regulation is to encourage motorists to drive by sight rather than by sound. Indiscriminate use of the horn endangers safety by- encouraging many improper driving habits. Certain motorists, for instance, rush at intersections and rely on a loud blowing of the horn to warn other road users from their path. This type of offence is commonest among taxi-drivers. Such a practice, besides being unfair to other motorists who ma.V have the right-of-way, involves obvious' risks. The horn may not be heard or the direction of the sound 'confused, with the result that a severe collision may occur. Actually there should seldom be need to use the horn at intersections. The motorist should drive in such a manner as to be able to see if his way is clear and at such a speed as to be able to stop if it is not. Only in the event of another driver's neglecting the right-hand rule and thus creating an emergency is the sounding of the horn justified. In the event of an emergency arising involving risk of collision the horn should be used to warn pedestrians of their] danger. The new regulation makes no stipulation regarding the use of the horn on the open road. It is the policy of the department, however, to discourage the excessive and unnecessary use of the horn at all times. One occasion on which horns should be sounded on the open road is .when a j driver is about to overtake another vehicle. The other driver may be unaware of the approaching vehicle and, unless warned by the horn, may swing out unexpectedly into the path of the oncoming car.