DANGER TO MOTORISTS

Shannon News, 8 November 1927, Page 1

DANGER TO MOTORISTS

Public Antagonism A SAFETY-FIRST CAMPAIGN Although not yet considered by the' North Island Motor Union, the following report on a safety first campaign has been prepared by Mr W. A. Edwards, a member of tire Executive of the Union: — The. lesson for motorists to learn is that as a body they are prejudiced in the eyes of the public, and i»t is their duty to see that this stigma is removed. The average motorist is just as fearful of causing bodily harm to pedestrians, as to himself, and this .fact must be driven home in no uncertain manner. It is time that vigorous, concentrated action was taken by all motor associations to remove the stigma laid upon their members, and to prove to the public the desire of motorists to ensure the safety of pedestrians. It must be conveyed to pedestrians that when a motor horn is sounded it is no indication that the motorist thinks he owns the universe but a polite intimation that the motorist desires to warn and .therefore, protect. It must be % recognised that the duty of protecting the public on our streets is not solely the responsib lity of the motorists, if is a mutual duty. To this end every moto£ association shSuld conduct a “SAFETY FIRST” campaign, and by all means in their power to make clear the obligations of all concerned. 1. It is the duty of every motorist to observe the law and to drive in a manner consistent with public safety.

' 2. It is the duty of every pedestrian to consider the motorist as well as himself, and when using the road to do so with courtesy and despatch.

3. It is the duty of every local body to. frame laws that will ensure reasonable freedom to road users, both vehicular and pedestrian: to appoint officers to courteously and conscientiously carry out such laws. Some towns in New Zealand are a credit in this respect, others a disgrace. It is the duty of all motor associations to furtheV the ‘‘Safety First Campaign,” and to make a start with its own members. .

The following are some suggestions worthy of careful consideration: —

1. That in towns where not instituted or practiced, Authorities be requested to insert in roacl surfaces discs at street intersections to instill into drivers of vehicles the habit of observance of the rule of the road, and that cutting of corners be specially condemned.

2. That all Clubs be requested as part of the Campaign to circularise members with the approved traffic signals, and take such other means as will impress upon hem the vital necessity of a driver indicating beyond all doubt to other road users his immediate intentions.

3. That the practice of giving way to cars approaching from the right be advocated. 4. That the practice of dimming both headlights is fraught with serious danger to all concerned,' members be requested to switch off the offside headlight only. A simple wiring adjustment will effect this. 5. That all parking areas ih congested situations be marked off in spaces sufficient to accommodate one in such spaces. Where roads are narrow spaces be outlined obliquely to pavements. 6. That in all cases where motorists consider that another motorist has acted contrary to the by-laws of his town, the number of the offending motorist should be reported to the local Club and the Secretary Should notify the offender of the complaint and circumstances.

7. That where pedestrian traffic is inefficiently controlled, a deputation from the local club wait upon tire local authorities and urge protective regulation, giving instances of existing laxity. I would therefore, suggest that this meeting passes the following resolution: — ‘That as this Union recognises one of its most serious duties to be the protection of its members, and the general public, that it forthwith institute a determined ‘Safety First’ Campaign to secure much needed improvement in the pedestrian regulations and control, and to impress motorists generally with' a full sense of their responsibilities.” ' v The Wanganui Automobile Association proposes in the near future to broadcast a series of slogans on Safe*