CLOSED CARS AND LAZY DRIVERS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 301, 15 August 1929, Page 7

CLOSED CARS AND LAZY DRIVERS.

SIGNALLING DIFFICULTIES. It may not be very long before it becomes compulsory in England for motiri&ts to carry some sort of automatic signalling device to let other road users know their intentions. This subject has no doubt been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Transport by the careless manner in which a great many car O'Vii-’ s give signals, and particularly drivers of saloon cars. In an open car hand signalling, if done properly, should be visible to all other drivers and road users; but in, the case of a closed car, particularly in bad weather, some form "of mechanical signalling sefems essential, as people will not ojpen the window alongside the driving seat, with the result that no signalling is done at all, and some accidents are undoubtedly caused in this way. Another point about signalling la that it must be done before the action that it is meant to announce is taken. When going to turn to the right suddenly it is no use putting your hand out as you turn. The hand should go out when the driver is at least 20 yards from the point where the turn is to be made, so that other drivers behind can tell what you are going to do.

Many motorists get unintentionally lazy in the way they give signals. A signal, to be of any use, must be clearly visible to those behind, but some people put their hands out so lazily that it is practically impossible to understand what they intend to do. The question of automatic signalling devices is, of course, a very difficult one. There are many excellent types on the market at the present time, but the chief d ffieulty is that, like all things mechanical, they are liable to go wrong, and when they fail many motorists do not take the trouble to have them put r : ght.