Speeding and Accidents

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 278, 14 February 1928, Page 6

Speeding and Accidents

Self-Discipline Needed for Serious Position THE MOTORISTS’ VIEW

Never at any time have motor vehicles been so numerous on our roads as those which were abroad during the holidays. The number of accidents that might have occurred, in comparison with those recorded, involves a very wide ratio, and it seems reasonable to assume that the position will not improve so long as each year sees another thousand or so of vehicles turned out on the highways. Soberminded motorists are beginning to feel a trifle apprehensive, and even the happy-go-lucky type, who believes in a muddle-through Providence rather than the irksomeness of a personal discipline, confesses to an inability to see the end of the view. The most hopeful are not optimistic. With such an outlook it is permissible that we motorists ought voluntarily to apply the only case which reason and understanding can perceive for a situation ■which must soon become so acute as to compel drastic action. Wo have travelled in and driven motor-cars since the earliest days of the movement, have sampled every pleasure, submitted to almost every motoring risk, but we have to admit that we can offer no excuse for much of the speed that we observe daily. We conceive that, if enjoyment, and not excitement, be the aim. a speed of 30 miles an hour is preferable to one of 40. And if it be urged that the higher speed is essential because of urgency, we will retort that, as it involves only a few minutes difference in the average distance driven without stopping, the occasions on which it is justified cannot be more than a small percentage of the times it is at least attempted. On very few motor-cars is the suspension so designed that the car is as comfortable at 40 as at 30 miles an hour, and if the speed be excessive for the suspension not only does the car become less comfortable. but also it is less controllable and is being unfairly, driven. Speed is a matter difficult to discuss -without the definite factors involved. One car is safer at 40 than another at 30, when the possibilities of danger are envisaged. But unless the driver be very intimately acquainted with the road he is travelling, we do not think he can be justified in maintaining the higher speed. We think our motoring organisations ought to appeal again to their memberships to agree to reduce their driving speeds, and the Press should extend the appeal to the remainder of the movement. That such a self-denying ordinance will be popular we may well doubt, but if the circumstances be explained, and it ibe proffered as a possible alternative to less acceptable action, we believe it would have a marked effect on many drivers. The police can then be left to look after the others. But until we discipline ourselves it would be plain hypocrisy to ask or agree that others should be disciplined.

PICNICKING EXPEDIENT

WHEN THE MATCHES ARE LOST Many a promising motor picnic party has been spoilt owing to the person in charge of the catering department forgetting the necessary box of matches to light the fire for the purpose of boiling the “billy.” The difficulty of igniting a fire can very readily be overcome without danger, in the following manner. One of the high tension leads is disconnected from a sparking plug, and the lid of a tin or some small metal receptacle that will hold a small amount of petrol is held under the carburetter, while the float is depressed. Enough petrol to about fill a thimble is allowed to run in, and the tin is then placed in contact with some part of the frame where the lead will reach it, and, of course, as far away as possible from the carburetter. The engine is then started and a spark from the lead allowed to jump through the petrol to the tin. The spirit will immediately ignite, and a piece of paper can then be lit and a fire got going.