RIGHT HAND RULE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 242, 26 July 1935, Page 7

RIGHT HAND RULE

COMMENT BY A JUDGE.

CHINESE CLAIMS SUM OF £1646.

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, July 25. An accident Avhich occurred in Lambton Quay last October had a sequel in the Supreme Court' to-day, Avhen Sue Ying, a Chinese fruiterer, claimed a total of £1646 8s 9d as damages, from Albert Vile, a taxi-driver. The plaintiff suffered severe injuries and it was alleged that the accident was caused by the negligence of Vile. The case Avas heard before Mr Justice Smith and a jury.

The negligence of the defendant, it Avas alleged, consisted of his driving on the incorrect side of the road, failing to keep .a. proper look-out, failing to give adequate warning of his intention to turn across the line of traffic, and driving at a speed, which in the circumstances, Avas excessive. The defence alleged negligence on the part of the plaintiff. Commenting on the right-hand rule, his Honor said his view Avas that if two vehicles Aver© approaching each other in the same street, and the vehicle claiming the benefit of the righthand rule Avas crossing from its correct to its incorrect side across the stream of traffic, the right-hand rule did not apply.