LONG TRAFFIC LINES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23052, 21 June 1940, Page 13

LONG TRAFFIC LINES

AVOIDANCE URGED MESSAGE FROM AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION “If you can avoid-processional driving do so for several very important reasons,” says the latest road safety message of the Automobile Association (Canterbury). By habit, many motorists make it a rule to follow |i certain road to or from their homes and places of business in the mornings or evenings, and the same rule is followed at week-ends. This practice Invariably ■ leads to congestion and processional driving, which creates driving risk and causes delays and waste of fuel through continual acceleration and deceleration. “The chief danger springs from vehicles being driven too close to each other, with the risk of rear-end collisions. It as wise to apply the half distance rule at all times, that is, to drive so that your speed will allow you to stop within hajf of the distance of clear road ahead. It is not always practicable for the f driver ahead to signal his intention to stop because of some cause which you cannot see. and it may happen that the stop-light is. lacking in effective warning. Clearly, then, your speed must not exceed your ability to come to an emergency stop and avoid a rear-end collision. “In the early winter evenings it is not possible to see what traffic, perhaps a pedestrian or cyclist, may be in front of the car you are following, and you should give your full detention, in any case, to the car immediately in front. Give yourself aq honest answer to the standing question: Tf he stops suddenly can I stop in safety?’ You will find an answer easy if. you travel at a reasonable sneed, provide sufficient space in which to stop, and give your whole attention to your driving. Avoid pooular thoroughfares where the congestion occurs, use an alternative route it is available. and you will save timd, fuel, and submit yourself te less-'irritation and risk of danger. Tramway routes are frequently the worst to follow for the reasons stated,”