A WORD OF PRAISE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 2 January 1931, Page 6

A WORD OF PRAISE

NELSON AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION’S WORK rTo the Editor) Sir. —I noticed in a recent issue of an American paper an article under the heading “Courtesy or Death.” The comments were chiefly based upon the fact that the Automobile Association of New York, had made a most careful study of 100,000 motor accidents, and it came to the conclusion that more than one-third of these were caused through violation of rules of the road, or in the failure of some drivers to extend to others the common courtesies that are “due and well understood.” Among the instances given were encroaching on the right of way, of others driving on the wrong side of the road, failing to give signal, cutting in, and reckless speeding. It was stated that these and other such violations of courtesy account for the largest number of accidents and deaths. It was also pointed out, that unfortunately deaths and injuries were not limited to the thoughtless and discourteous drivers. The article concluded by saying that “auto driving on the public highways is a sort of co-operative affair. With hundreds of ears using the same road at the same time, using it in botli directions, coming on, and going off, travelling at different rates of speed, a community spirit and fair rules of conduct are' necessary. When this spirit, and these principles are courteously observed motoring is one of the most 'delightful of present day activities.” j - I take this opportunity of expressing the opinion that the Kelson Automobile Association has done and is doing excellent work in the direction of ensuring safety for motorists and making travel more easy and pleasant for them. .Motorists 'generally are indebted to the association for the excellent work it has done in erecting good signs at and warnings at practically *ll the dangerous places on the main highways, and roads of the district, and also for the valuable direction notices it has provided.—l am, etc. WM. LOCK.