ARMY COURTESY CAMPAIGN

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29725, 19 January 1962, Page 7

ARMY COURTESY CAMPAIGN

Army drivers are now facing a challenge in road courtesy. The challenge has been thrown out by the Army itself in a bid to reduce the daily accident rate of 34 persons injured and killed on New Zealand's roads. “The Army's driving record, both in and out of working hours, is a good one; but it can be improved. I ask you all to show increased tolerance and courtesy on the roads and to maintain that courtesy even when others do not; to remain alert at all times, whether you are driving Army transport or your own private cars; and to remember that you, as soldiers, owe a responsibility towards the community of which you are a part,” said the chief of the general staff (MajorGeneral L. W. Thornton), in a message read to all troops to start the Army’s safe driv-

ing campaign

The idea for the campaign was conceived when the New Zealand Road Safety Council asked the Army to co-operate in observing the week-end of November 25 as a national road safety Saturday and Sunday. Senior Army officers immediately realised that a continuing campaign to raise the standards of Army driving would be a worth white contribution towards making the country’s roads safer. The Transport Department and the Road Safety Council gave enthusiastic support and have supplied posters on road safety for all Army camps. A photographic display compiled from official accident records is going the rounds of the camps, showing plainly the results of drunken driving, careless driving, and lack of courtesy and tolerance.