FATIGUE AT THE WHEEL

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22003, 29 January 1937, Page 6

FATIGUE AT THE WHEEL

"ONE OF THE REAL

DANGERS"

LONG JOURNEYS AFTER

WORK

MOTORISTS MUST BE ON

THE ALERT

"When the Minister for Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) made reference recently to the fact that many drivers undertook long Journeys at the end of a day's work over the Christmas period, he was referring to the risk of fatigue at the wheel, one of the real dangers of motoring," says the latest safety message of the Automobile Association, Canterbury. "Fatigue at the wheel is not an uncommon cause of accidents, and since no one is a better judge of his own physical fitness than the driver himself, it is most important that the driver make no error in his judgment, the consequences of which may be serious not only to himself but to others on the road. "While there are plenty of causes leading to fatigue or dozing at the wheel it is nothing short of negligence for any motorist to take risks in driving in that condition. Indigestion, and carbon-monoxide are two causes of a condition of fatigue apart from a host of other causes. "To finish a day's work and set out on a long motor-run, unless one is in

a perfect condition of health, is to take a chance of drowsing at the wheel. An excellent road, a silently-running engine, and ill-arranged ventilation of the car are factors which readily induce sleepiness. That condition is difficult to combat unless one ensures proper ventilation, and at the first suggestion of drowsiness, stops the car, alights and takes the antidote of a few minutes' walk in the fresh air.

"Modern road travel is so fast that the conditions are such that no chance can be taken with what might happen in a fleeting second or two when, through dozing, a driver's concentration on the safe progress of his vehicle might be interrupted. "Never drive unless your physical condition is right; never undertake a long tour, even to please your friends, if you are tired. There is nothing clever in marathon driving; there may be something tragic in it. Marathon driving or special touring stunts require special training. Never take the slightest chance of being overtaken by fatigue at the driving wheel."

MINIMISING DAMAGE

An excellent idea is receiving prominence in the English motoring press. It is likely that it will be incorporated in production models. Realising the vulnerability to small dents and scratches of the edges of mudguards and running boards, the suggestion has been made by a prominent British motorist that they should be lined with fairly thick but narrow strips of rubber to absorb the impact in minor collisions., A car has been fitted in this manner, and the effect is neat and unobtrusive. Black rubber against light paintwork can be used to give a pleasing contrast, or the rubber can be coloured the same shade as the rest of the car.