SAFE DRIVING AT CORNERS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22336, 25 February 1938, Page 8

SAFE DRIVING AT CORNERS

Use of Warning Devices “HORNS DO NOT ALWAYS ENSURE IMMUNITY” “The recommendation 6f the New Zealand Road Safety Council suggesting, in effect, the abolition of the use of warning devices at intersections in built-up areas is one to which the average motorist has not given much thought, though its importance is very real indeed.” says the latest safety message of the Automobile Association, Canterbury. “Beyond any doubt, for too many motorists use too great a speed when approaching and passing intersections. Observation proves that such drivers are prone to rely on the warning de* vice to carry them safely through. In other words, they sound the horn but do not reduce speed, acting apparently on the wrong assumption that the fact that they have givfn warning of their approach ensures them the right-of-way. This assumption has led many motorists into serious trouble, because, it will be realised, it requires only two drivers with such an outlook to cause an accident. “It is found that safe drivers use the warning device of their motor-vehicles only in cases of emergency, when it is necessary to warm thoughtless pedestrians, or when giving warning to other drivers whom they are about to pass. Drivers should realise that a speed should not be used which will prevent i them from halting at an intersection should some other traffic decide to cross their path. Drivers should realise, too. that they must always abide by the off-side rule. “It will be seen, therefore, that if drivers obey the proper speed limit and obey the off-side rule the use of a raucous motor horn is no substitute for such obedience and Will not save the offender from the responsibility which rests upon him of. taking proper care. Far too many drivers rely on the hotn instead of developing the more important habit of keeping a proper look out. . “These few thoughts on the subject of horn blowing at intersections are sufficient to cause motorists to consider the relative unimportance of horn blowing in the safe operation of a motor-vehicle.”