REDUCING ACCIDENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 354, 8 February 1937, Page 3

REDUCING ACCIDENTS.

PEDESTRIANS’ AID NEEDED. ■’ PART OF TRAFFIC PROBLEM. BINTS FOR CARELESS. The pedestrian plays an Important part in any scheme for safety on the road. Without his or te«r 00-opera.-tion little or nothing can be achieved. Undoubtedly the pedestrian can contribute to a considerably greater degree to safety-first if he will but give the matter a little thought. Three of the most common causes of street accidents are thoughtlessness, haste, and intolerance on tlie part of the pedestrian. One need only walk down a busy street and study the way of foot passengers to see how easily these accidents may happen, and also how easily they may be avoided.

| Pedestrians would raise a storm of protest if the motorist trespassed on the fdotpath, and yet at every hour of ' the day they themselves are trespassing on the roads. Not that tlie roads are the royal or divine privilege of the motorist, but pedestrians should use the roads only when they have to cross, and then they should cross at the proper places, where these are provided, or in a sensible manner, having due regard to tlie “other fellow,” the motorist. Heedless of Traffic. If all pedestrians would regard themselves as a part of the traffic problem, and thus endeavour to avoid emergencies, unnecessary friction between driver and foot passengers would be eliminated and accidents would show a marked decrease. Nonmotorists should remember that a car driver has many thinks to do, that he does not merely sit behind the wiieel and lias no worries. He lias to use both hands, both feet, his eyes and his brain, and is fully occupied. In addition to watching carefully the movements of pedestrians and frequently trying to anticipate them —a very difficult feat—-he has to watch the traffic in front and the traffic approaching him. At turnings lie must watch for vehicles —and pedestrians —at his left and right. From time to time he must keep an eye, through his driving mirror, on reap traffic; he has to know that if anything is about to overtake him he may be run into from behind if ,he stops without giving adequate warning. He has to signal clearly all his own intentions, and has also to be on the alert for police or traffic-officer signals and for signs of various kinds, such as “No right-hand turn,” oneway traffic and so on. AH this is in addition to watching the movements of cyclists, children and dogs. The First Right. Pedestrians must recognise that where a pavement or footpath is provided they have no prior right to the use of the road, excepting in certain cases for the purpose of crossing. If an Indicated pedestrian crossing is not controlled by a policeman or a traffic officer (whose directions must be obeyed by both pedestrians and motorists) the pedestrian has the first right to cross, and approaching traffic is required to slow or to halt, as necessary, to enable his to use the crossing In safely. Pedestrians, however, should exercise their right with discretion, and should bear in mind that moving vehicles need time to slow or stop, particularly when the road is wet or slippery. Whilst there is an obligation on the motorist to regulate his speed ! n approaching a marked crossing so that he can pull up in favour of a pedestrian, the foot passenger should exercise reasonable care and see whether any traffic is approaching before stepping out on to the road. The law does not exempt the pedestrian from the consequences of his own careless act, any more than it exempts anyone else. If the pedestrian has had the last chance of avoiding an accident he has no right of redress, and, indeed, may be held liable for the accident. A number of safety-first commandments for pedestrians suggest themselves. Un pavements, m streets with normal two-way traffic, keep to tlie left, and at all times avoid walking on or along the kerb in the same direction as oncoming traffic. Thus you will not unthinkingly step into tlie gutter in front of a vehicle. Never, if you can help it, step out from behind, or in front of, a vehicle standing at the kerb, or from behind a moving vehicle, or you may find yourself in tlie path of moving traffic. If alighting from a tramcar, always make first for the near-side kerb, or, if a safety zone is provided, remain on this until the voute is clear. “Never Jay-walk.” Never cross a road with an open umbrella, as you must have an unobstructed view. Never jump from a moving vehicle. If you should fall, any vehicle close behind may not be able to avoid a collision. Whenever possible, cross busy thoroughfares at a marked or a controlled crossing, and never jay-walk. Where there is a traffic officer or other pointsman on duty the simplest way often is to watch his ’ signals and know when it is safe to cross.

Before attempting to cross a road, stand still for a moment or two, looking for traffic, and always make sura there is time to cross in safety. v If you are not sure of your judgment, wait. Never hesitate in the path of a car. Once you have well started you can get out of the way more quickly by continuing than by a turning back; the driver of a car can anticipate your course only if you keep to it. Do not dawdle or otherwise show indifference to traffic out of bravado; It is not courteous as well as being dangerous. Suspend conversation when crossing a road, as th© traffic demands all your attention. Do not stand about in the roadway or at cornel’s in such a way that your intention may not be clear to drivers, or may interfere with their view of the movements of other pedestrians and road users. Finally, take special precautions at night, when the motorist may be dazzled by lights, or when visibility, caused by rain or mist, is. poor.