Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32459, 20 November 1970, Page 17

Auto Gossip

by

A. J. P.

Good for business Broken windscreens are an expensive nuisance, and periodically, when roadworks have resulted in lots of loose stones being left on the road, screen-replace-ment firms in nearby towns have a massive upsurge in business. I am told this situation exists now on the Main South Road near the Selwyn Bridge, and that some firms report the shingle deposits there have brought them excellent business. Those responsible Motorists who do not, slow down very considerably when they encounter a stretch of road with loose shingle on it are a curse—because they scatter stones in ail directions, and are those responsible for most of the broken windscreens which result. Sometimes they get a broken screen themselves by not only travelling too fast but also travelling too close behind other vehicles: if you encounter shingle, keep well clear of other cars. Authorities’ job While it is obviously up to motorists to take care when there is loose shingle lying about, I feel it is also up to roading authorities to make sure loose shingle is never left on a road where it can be avoided. And road shoulders should be properly sealed too, especially on corners, because rough shoulders not only raise the threat of broken windscreens, but also force traffic out towards the centre of the road. Motorists must learn to observe temporary speed-limit signs at roadworks, and those responsible must in turn make sure the signs are put out only when necessary, and not left out all week-end just because someone forgot or was too lazy to take them in—which is the case more often than it should be. And they should also make sure the temporary limit is not unreasonably low. I also feel it is a sound idea to explain the for the limit when this is not immediately obvious, like “20 m.p.h.—-new seal,” or “loose gravel,” or “trucks turning.” Insurance Question But back to broken windscreens some insurance companies offer an extra “windscreen cover” for a

small sum, others will allow claims under the normal policy without the no-claim bonus being affected, but some refuse to follow either course. For your own peace of mind, find out your insurance company’s attitude. I know at least one company which offers no extra cover, and stipulates that a claim for a broken screen means loss of no-claim bonus: an unsatisfactory situation. Oh, and another hint: if you want to let a faster car pass you on the open road, by all means slow and pull to the left—but do not pull into the shingle! If you do, there is a very good chance you will hurl up stones and if they do not break his screen or a headlamp, they will at least chip his paint.