MOTOR-CAR HORNS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 133, 1 March 1929, Page 8

MOTOR-CAR HORNS

STRIKING THE HAPPY MEDIUM Although every new car is provided with some form of audible warning device the fitting supplied sometimes leaves much to be desired, whilst with quite a number of cars the horn, although quite a good instrument in itself, is not suitable for every purpose. It may be either much too loud for certain conditions, or, on the other hand, much too soft to be heard plainly in the roar of traflic or at distant cross-roads. For this reason many owners find the addition of a second horn well worth while. It is not always appreciated that too loud a warning note can sometimes be more dangerous than one which is too soft. More than one accident has been caused by a driver suddenly sounding a strong electric hooter when just about to overtake a cyclist, the sudden, piercing note startling the rider and causing him to swerve. Probably nothing would have happened in such a case had the warning note been soft, and the rider would likely have preceded normally on his way as the car overtook him. On the other hand, a soft or low-toned horn may be completely inaudible to the driver of a decrepit lorry who, believing tha; nothing is about to overtake him, may pull across the road in the path of the overtaking vehicle. Few horns are ideal in these two extremes, and there is every case, therefore, for the fitting of two horns having widely different characteristics. An excellent combination is a medium-powered bulb horn and a very loud electric warning device. The latter can be reserved for occasions when a compelling signal is needed, whilst the more gentlemanly bulb horn can be used for normal work.