CARELESS SIGNALLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 210, 6 September 1927, Page 16

CARELESS SIGNALLING.

SEVERAL EXAMPLES NOTED ON SUNDAY.

It is only necessary to take a run any week-end, especially if a fine day, when the white ribbon is well patronised, both north and south of the city as it was on Sunday, to become painfully aware of the fact that theiv. are a number of motor drivers around Auckland who pay very little heed to the necessity of giving the correct signals when about to execute any manoeuvre. In some cases no attempt is made to signal the man behind that a turn-off is to made. Again, there are others who make a signal, certainly, better than nothing, but when they wish to turn to the right out of one road into another, invariably give the stop- signal, and vice versa. In other cases motorists wishing to turn to the left project their right arm, so as to

give the signal for turning to the right. This carelessness or ignorance is constantly productive of much confusion and actual damage, and it is time the few simple signs were well learned, especially as the vogue of motoring is expanding and the advent of summer time is sure to bring many new drivers on the roads. The three principal signals are the following: (1) The "stop" signal, which is given by extending the right arm from the shoulder over the side of the car, and bending the forearm up, so as to form a right-angle. , (2) The "turningright" signal, which is made by simply extending the rigtt,t arm, with the palm of the hand to the front, at right-angles to the side of the car. (3) The "come past me" signal, which is given by projecting the arm over the side of the car and dropping it down, at the same time moving it backwards and forwards so as to "wave on" the driver following. The last signal is not so often required as the former two, but is much appreciated when it is given. Quite a number of cars were slowed down to a crawl going out on the South Road on Sunday, where, due to a continuous stream of incoming cars it was impossible to pass a big car which suddenly elowed down to five miles. After a gentle toot, the driver gave the "come past me" signal and all was well.

On the same road there was a narrow escape-from an accident due to the carelessness of a driver coming in from a side road on the left of traffic before making sure the way was clear. Apparently he was watching a car on the other side of the main road over which he did have the right of way, but it is equally important to remember that you must keep clear of cars coming towards you on your right hand. This is the samo rule which has applied for centuries on "Old Ocean's Ferry" and should be equally good for shore traffic. While we are all fed-up with "Don'ts for Drivers," the following may be tried with safety:— Drive oveivto the left as far as possible at all times. If the car's service brakes are functioning properly they will stop it within at least 50 feet from a speed of 20 miles an hour. If the road is wet and slippery allow at least 30 feet between your car and the one ahead, except at slow speeds. Never pass a car going in the same direction until you are positive its driver knows your intention. When driving fast keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. A puncture or blowout, otherwise, may cause the car to swerve off the road. Remember that the inside of the curve often belongs to the car coining from the other direction.

I LIGHTING-UP TIMES. I To-aay 6.2 p.m. I Wednesday 6.4 p.m. I Thursday 6.5 pjn. I Friday 6.6 p.m. 11 Saturday 6.7 p.m. If Sunday , 6.7 p.m. U Monday 6.8 p.m.