ROAD COURTESIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 20, 24 January 1936, Page 14

ROAD COURTESIES.

The letter signed "Scraped," which has just been brought to my notice, suggests that taxi-drivers are a menace to other motorists. "Scraped" states that he felt very sore with a taxi-driver who tore past him in Manukau Road, and Lad half a mind to take his number, j adding that lie wished he had done so, because on his arrival in the city, he found the paint work on one of the ' guards scraped off right to the metal. > Now, sir, the average motorist, I am sure, will agree with my statement that where two cars collide so as to cause such damage both drivers would be instantly aware of a happening which i called for immediate attention. That 1 "Scraped" did nothing at the time indi--1 cates that he himself was at fault. - Probably he is that type of driver who keeps to the centre of the road, and when an oncoming vehicle endeavours to pass, momentarily pulls to the right, thereby interfering with the other driver's judgment. "Scraped" need never fear that taxi-drivers will ever consider the roads are for their exclusive use, and if he will report the driver of any ■ taxi which he considers is "getting over the edge" to the company's headquarters he will be doing taxi-drivers a service. I wonder if he is aware that taxi companies pick the most experienced men on their staffs to a-ct as inspectors, empowered to reprimand, suspend, and even dismiss any of their colleagues caught driving dangerously? Does he believe that the problem of traffic danger would be solved if taxis were put off the road altogether? Would not "cutting in" be still indulged in? Surely he does not forget those young ladies who, while driving with one hand and powdering their faces with the other, suddenly remember that they want to turn "to the right, and do so without* warning, and those experts at "cutting in" stunts—drivers of light vans and motor cyclists? Of course, everybody knows that taxi-drivers are always in a hurry-. They have got to be in order to exist, but how some do on present fares is a marvel to me. But this is only one reason for their hurry; there are others. Take, for instance, the prominent citizen who is late for an important appointment; he explains the position, and the driver good naturedly steps on the gas. Then there is the dear old lady, who has dwelt too long afc the bargain sales and is in a hurry to get back with dad's tea-, who could resist her pleading? Also, the maternity case, when the time has been misjudged or cut too fine. Still another instance where a driver must trayel fast is when a constable and a law-breaker are having an "all in" wrestling bout in the rear portion of- the car; and so we could continue quoting instances innumerable. In the opinion of taxi-drivers these cases justify speed, although, I admit, the traffic department does not always accept such as reasonable excuses. Finally, I would point out that, unlike I "Scraped," the majority of motorists agrees that taxi-men are not only skilful and careful drivers, but also courteous, obliging and helpful to private motorists, traffic officers, and the travelling public alike. LIONEL -WILKINSON.