"RULE OF THE RIGHT."

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1939, Page 16

"RULE OF THE RIGHT."

VERT VEXED QUESTION. MAGISTRATE'S REMARKS. "The 'rule of the right' in traffic cases must be given reasonable interpretation, remarked Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M., in the Christchurch Magistrate's Court the other day. He described it as a very vexed question and one which caused an unnecessary amount of trouble. Unfortunately, he said, the view of this regulation was affected by all kinds of complications and he thought it advisable to make a brief statement on the application of the rule. "In everyday driving," the magistrate continued, "we are faced with this position all the time. We approach a right-hand corner keeping a careful look-out, driving at a reasonable speed, and taking all precautions. But until we actually reach the corner we cannot see if any traffic is coming on the right. The car on the right also v presumably, is taking >11 due care. On seeing the car on the right we stop dead. If the other car comes and rams us, are we to lie treated as failing to give way to traffic on the right T We are not, because there must be a reasonable interpretation of the rule." Mr. Levvey added that he would like to see the rule made absolute as far as possible, but it must be applied reasonably. He dismissed a charge against a woman driver of failing to give way, holding that the speed of the other car was excessive.