PERILS OF THE ROAD

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 92, 12 January 1929, Page 25

PERILS OF THE ROAD

CONTROLLING MOTOR TRAFFIC SPANISH DICTATOR’S METHOD [Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Madrid, January 9. By a stroke of General De Rivera’s pen, the arrest may be made of any motorist knocking clown a pedestrian, regardless of the circumstances, with a penalty of six years’ imprisonment for fie slightest injury, or a minimum of twelve years if the victim dies. Neither social position nor any other consideration will be an extenuation. Bail is not allowed. The effect has been magical. No motor accidents have occurred in Madrid since ■ January 1, and the provinces report similarly. The immunity of Barcelona from accidents is due to the unexpected action of taximen going on strike because they are afraid to venture into the streets. Taximen in Madrid are now urbane, politely giving pedestrians the right-, of-way with a courtly “After you.”