SAFETY CROSSING CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 November 1926, Page 8

SAFETY CROSSING CAMPAIGN.

The danger to life and property which carelessness at railway level crossings entails has, unfortunately, been often emphasised by the series of accidents which have occurred throughout the Dominion. Recognising that the elimination of these crossings is a work of such magnitude that it cannot be accomplished within a brief period, those responsible for the control of railway and motor traffic are alive to the necessity of impressing upon the community its duty in reducing the possibility of accident to a minimum. If the regulations of the Railway Department and the recommendations of the various automobile associations were complied with, the risk of accident would be practically eliminated. In its desire to awaken the motoring public to a sense of its responsibility in this matter, the Railway Department has embarked upon a scheme of publicity in the Press which should do much to educate everyone concerned in the necessity for care in using level crossings. Accidents due to the lack of care may have very far-reaching results. Not only does a careless driver expose himself and his vehicle to serious damage, but he may quite easily imperil the lives and property of travellers by train. On more than one occasion when accidents have occurred, it has been by simple good fortune that the holocaust of a wrecked train has not resulted. There is ample evidence that the fear of level crossing accidents constitutes a strain upon engine drivers, a strain that can easily be avoided by the exercise of commonsense by those using the road where it crosses the railway line. The department in its • educational effort is showing its willingness to assist in creating sane public opinion in regard to this peril, and the community will gain considerably if due heed is taken of the warnings issued.