MOTOR TRAFFIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 216, 12 March 1914, Page 7

MOTOR TRAFFIC.

KUJJiS AM) COUUTESIES OF THE ItOAO. Motor cars arc increasing at sucli a rate and are fast becoming such an absolute necessity in modern life, that it is almost imperative that stringent regulations should bo introduced ,to regulate the traffic 011 the roads and so minimise the danger of accidents. Of course, to the careful driver the regulations are not so necessary, but with the "motor bog"—and there aro a few of this species even in Taranaki—the case 18 different. The motor Union of Great Britain has framed a set of ' rules and courtesies of the road" which should be eminently suitable here, with perhaps a little alteration to suit local conditions. It commences by saying that traffic difficulties are usually due to non-observ-ance of road regulations. Taking corners.—A corner should not be cut close 011 the right (or "off") side, but it is especially dangerous to take a corner on the wrong side when it cannot be seen that the road is clear; thenfore, in taking blind corners on the right hand, always keep to the extreme left (or "near") side, no matter how much slowing down this may involve. Main road traffic has the priority; therefore when entering a main road from a side road always do so at a slow pace. Signals.—When about .to alter speed or direction the following indications should be given— (a) Stopping or slowing down: The driver's right arm extended horizontally from the shoulder, with the fore arm held up vertically, (b) A turn to the right: 11 is right arm fully extended, (c) A turn to the left: The left arm similarly extended. On no account should the driver extend his right arm when a turn is to be made to the left; nor should any passenger extend his le4t arm when a turn is going to be made to the right. The right hand held downwards by the side of the car and waved forwards, gives a useful signal that following traffic may pass. It is well to make these signals habitually, whether there is traffic or not. It is often quite as important to communicate any change of direction or speed to persons in front of you as to thoso behind. A signal should also be given at a facing junction of forked roads so as to indicate which road is to be taken. Meeting or overtaking.—All traffic should be met or overtaken on its proper side, and as much room as possible should be given to bicycles. Whenever ennveniently possible, motor drivers should keep their right hand (or "off") "ido wheels near to the centre of the road. On approaching a bridge with a -liavp rise keep well to the left- (or ■'near") side of the road. Avoid pibsing mother vehicle at any bend of tlj ( ; road "r at a cross road. When about to ™ss a vehicle going the sumo way as vourself, if a third vohicle is nearly approach ing from tho opposite direction, let the latter pasa you first, before

■ on overtake the former. When passing a man riding in charge of two h.-vs's. keep, if possible, on the side furthest from the led horse. When over ,-!;.iiL' iiii.iihei' vehicle, especially a motor car, be certain that your presence ' ~ recognised before attempting to pass. In traffic, keep a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front. In descending hills, give way u/ ascending traffic. The horn or bell should be used with discrimination, each signal having its own special purpose, and sounded not more loudly, nor more frequently, limn is quite necessary. When pulling up or stopping, do M in a suitable place. Never stop near a corner. Accidents.—Be prepared for any emergency, and always stop in ease of accident. Avoid splashing 1 pedestrians with mud.