MOTORING BREACHES

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 427, 7 May 1937, Page 5

MOTORING BREACHES

INSTRUCTION FOR DRIVERS Outline Of Course Of Tuition Press Association—Copyright Wellington, May 6. A syllabus of instruction for motorists placed on probation for motoring breaches of the- law was suggested by the Minister of Transport, Hon. R. Semple, when referring in an interview to.night to a suggestion of Kir E, D. Mosley, S.M., that certain offenders convicted’ under the motor legislation be given compulsory tuiton while on probation. The course; involves practical and theoretical fn_ truc ion in the control of a motor.vehicle, intensive instruction, in motor legislation and regulations and instruction in the Toad code. “I had this matter under considert.ion was first mentioned by Mr Mosley and now that the whole question has been investigated I enly agree with his proposals,” said Air Semple. “Every avenue must be •plored to reduce accidents and edu_ • ate the motoring public. “Mr Mosley very wisely qualified ais by emphasising the ; lecessity to appoint only special men o instruct these probationers ” cor. i i nued' Mr Semple. “The course of tostruction should be as educa i. e a possible. It should also provide for special instruction according to the temperament of the individual. We 11 know the very nice young fellow, ui e all right in every other respect, but who must get every ounce out of h’s mo or every time he drives it. He •hould receive special instruction designed to cure that tendency. Should ny probationer be later convicted of a similar offence I am confident that he courts will deal with that person in an appropriate manner.

Motor Legislation. “I suggest the following as a general outline of the course of instrucion which should be followed: (1) Practical and theoretical instruction n the con rol of a motor.v:h’cle with particular emphasis, on the minimum stopping distances at various speeds. Accidents happen in a fraction of a second and all drivers should be conversant with the number of feet per second their vehicle travels- at various speeds. The probationer should be required to furnish a vehicle necessary for this instruction. (2) Intensive instruction in motor legislation and regulations., again emphasising the three cardinal rules of safe driving, namely, keep to the left at II times, comply with the off-side rule never travel at a greater speed ihon will enable you to stop within half your clear visible distance ahead. (3) Instruction in the road code and those fine points in road courtesy which are the hall mark of a really tons;derate driver. “While it is very necessary for the ourt.s to stipulate the minimum )eriod of instruction,” added the Minster, “I venture to suggest that the actual course of instruction be de_ ■ided upon between the .probation officer and the traffic officer, having 'egard always to the progress, m de •y he probationer. Ths scheme has 'uch far-reaching potentialities for he improvement of motoring that I m particularly anxious that it be inaugurated under the most favourable condi ions. The resources of my dei partment are available to the courts I and my officers will keep in close j ouch with the courts and will give I -ffect to the valuable suggestions ( which they will no doubt receive ■ from time to time from the magistrates,” " |