SAFETY ON THE ROADS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22592, 23 December 1938, Page 13

SAFETY ON THE ROADS

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS ‘ Sir, —The Chief Traffic Inspector’s appeal and the article in “The Press” supporting it should again remind roaausers of the object of those appeals, but I confess that I share with “The Press” the doubt so mildly expressed. Perhaps it was a coincidence, or perhaps some road users thought they could take more risks when all others were schooling themselves, but it is a fact that I met more possibilities of trouble during that week that I have for years. Evqp some of the cyclists, «bo use usually so embarrassingly

considerate at intersections, took more than their own. Your mention of the Highways Code reminds me that this little work itself is ngt quite perfect. When turning to the right at an intersection Creg. 14, 5), for instance, the motorist has to forget all about what the little booklet says or he will find himself in trouble. The signal with right hand fully extended (Reg. 15, 3) should be used for a right-hand turn, and for that only. Instead, motorists are told to use it also when starting off from a stationary position. This is rather contradictory, and quite misleading to the driver behind, With ’the ever-increasing number of cars on the road and the everincreasing danger at intersections, the speed limit at these latter should have been reduced. As it is now, many drivers approach these intersections at a much lower speed, while the one who takes the limit or more, can rush up to get on there first. He often gets away with it, too, for the driver who is watching him cannot be expected to know whether his. brakes are working on four wheels or only one. A great point is now being made of pushing the slow driver over to the left edge of the road, but this will mainly benefit the driver who goes faster than anyone else; and he Is the very one who should be discouraged most. The fact is that things are being made too easy for him already—cutting off bends, no loose shingle, compulsory stops on side roads, etc., are all lessening the need for him- to use his head, which, indeed, is idle enough now sometimes. Cars vary as much in their speeds that faster and slower are only comparative terms until the two extremes are reached. The left edge of the road is neither the safest nor most desirable position, being usually rougher, while passing the usual obstructions brings one out of line, sometimes sharply to the right. Except in very congested areas, it is not fair to try to force even cyclists there. I think the traffic authorities should try the centre of the trouble, and not fool around with the edges.—Yours, etc., T.A.S. December 22, 1936.