A SAFETY ESSENTIAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 252, 21 September 1940, Page 4

A SAFETY ESSENTIAL.

TAIL-LIGHTS ON CARS,

“It is not uncommon to see many motor-vehicles oil the roads at nights without ti tail-light showing, and the conclusion is forced that many motorists are not as diligent as they might be in ensuring that tail-lights comply in every particular with the regulations,” says the r latest road safety message of the Manawatu Automobile Association. “The absence of tail-lights is applicable not only to motor-velneles of all kinds, but also to horse-drawn vehicles. While the danger through vehicles generally not carrying an effective tail-light is considerable, perhaps the greatest degree of risk is represented in the truck or lorry because of the width of such vehicles, and the absence of any reflective surface or distinguishing colours at the rear. The danger of overtaking such trucks or lorries on narrow roads is a very real one, as following drivers are fully aware.

“The regulations demand the use of an effective tail-Jight for two important reasons: (I) That the numberplate and its number may be plainly revealed. (2) That a red light may show clearly to the rear. And if tail-lights are placed as near to the right-hand side of the vehicle as possible, clear indication of the width of the vehicle will be given to following drivers, a most valuable contribution to road safety. It lias been noted that now and then vehicles have been abroad .at night-time with a white light showing to the rear. That is a highly dangerous fault, and one in direct conflict with the regulations. “Every motorist should l>e as careful of maintaining the tail-light in effective working condition as he is of the head-lights. Because the tail-light is at the rear it is too often forgotten until an inspector, or a policeman, draws attention to the faulty equipment. On very many cars the taillight is subject, to bombardment by road metal flung up by the wheels, but a more common cause of trouble comes from damage done by other cars to the tail-light on parking places. The bulbs and filaments arc very sensitive and delicate, wires become chafed, and connections become dirty. It' is only by constant supervision that tail-lights, and everything else about a car, can bo maintained in effective safe order. A spare lamp bulb is an essential to every complete kit. Stick bulbs are easily carried in a cubby hole, or a door pocket even, if properly protected.”