CORRECT HAND SIGNALS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 410, 20 December 1932, Page 7

CORRECT HAND SIGNALS

An appeal to all motorists to consult their rear-view driving mirrors, and to give correct hand signals is made by the Canterbury Auotmobile Association in its latest safety first message. "It is obvious that far too many drivers do not make any use of the rear-view mirror, and make use of the roads without paying any attention to traffic which might be following," runs the statemjent. The Motor Vehicle Act malces it an offence to travel without the equipment of a rear-view mirror on the motor vehicle, yet it is a fact that many vehicles are without this cheap yet very essential safety first device. And it is a fact, also, that many drivers have not yet developed the habit of using the mirror and showing respect, consideration and courtesy for following as well as oncoming vehicles. Some mirrors, p.'articularly those in the open class of cars, are so placed that they can be of no service whatever. A motor car of the open type which has a narrow window slit at the rear is badly served by a mirror placed over the top of the windscreen standard, thus giving a clear and unobstructed view of overtaking traffic. Some motorists of the ultra-careful variety aetually have a mirror inside and outside the car. If the rear-view mirror is used as it should be, and drivers obey all the rules of common sense by giving signals of intended change of direction, there will be less traffic confusion, fewer accidents and fewer unfriendly words said by one driver against another." The danger of glaring headlights was again stressed at the last meeting of the 'executive of the Wellington Automobile Club (says the Evening Post). Mr. E. Palliser said that the authorities should insist on a more rigid enforcement of the regulations in this connection. It was decided to write to the City Council requesting that steps be taken to ensure that the lights of motor vehicles complied with the regulations.