Wairarapa Times-Age TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1940. ROAD ACCIDENTS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 February 1940, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1940. ROAD ACCIDENTS.

I?VERY road user in the Masterton district, whether on foot Jr a-wheel, has a personal obligation to co-operate ™th the authorities in the effort to reduce road aeeidei . • ‘ First” should be the motto practised umversall VX shown ways. That such caution is more than ever requuid • ■ by‘the fact that, despite the endeavours of IheHa J- • ties, the motor car accident rate is far too highi n n During holiday periods the iwrmal responsibility de oh citizens to exert care on the roads is immeasurably Not only does an unusually large volume ol bailie a <. possibility of accident, but many vehicles are brought, out f nse which are far from reliable mechanically, A holiib. •! lends to beget either rashness or negligence Some motorists Lre apt to rush along in haste to reach holiday resorts a d make the most of their brief leisure; others to wa d< a o „ in happy-go-lucky’ indifference, shedding road can ion . „ with their business cares, while others, more erim ma ywan o take the wheel under the influence ol liquor. In i ecent. yeaL the Hon R. Semple has carried , out a h educate the public in the principles ol Safety Fust more or less success.

Traffic authorities have introduced a variety of aids. to safetv The centre lining of roads, automatic signals mobile patrols, and stricter inspection of motor vehteles hove oil nitt l their several contributions towards reducing the toll . 01. the roads. Yet the accident rate shows conclusively that educative, campaigns, improved legislation and the better po icing o the roads cannot be completely effective in themselves. Ihe must, be supplemented by the individual co-operation of toad users. Accidents will occur, it is true, even with the closest observation of traffic regulations, but the vast are due to human failure, and are thus avoidable. Caiekssness, recklessness and drunkenness are their chief causes. Pedestrians and cyclists bear their share of culpability lor these offences, but motorists are usually the worst ohenders. Crei, motorist should ensure that his car is in good order bet ore he takes 41. on the highway. and in Masterton there is no excuse for a motor car being in other than first class order as the local oarages are equipped with skilful mechaines, and even mechanical contrivance for making the best possible job of a car While at the wheel the motorist should not only observe traffic rules scrupulously, but also practise road. courtesy and consideration, lie must never forget that a single moment of careless or reckless driving, however trivial it may seem, may cause an accident bringing death, sorrow, or lifelong suffering in ils train. If only proper care is taken on the roads there need never be terrible and needless tragedies.