MAKE VACATION TIME A TIME OF SAFETY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 41, 12 November 1937, Page 15

MAKE VACATION TIME A TIME OF SAFETY

Danger of Overloading and Value of an Early Start

The fact that a very large percentage of accidents are caused at the week-end period has been mentioned before, and some aspects of weekend motoring are worth noting, as they have no small bearing on troubles which drivers bring upon themselves. It is not generally realised how much depends on the preparations made for travel; how important are considerations of time and comfort through a little attention to details.

Motorists dislike congested roads, yet it is obvious that thousands of them set out on long or short journeys without giving any thought to the question of trying to avoid becoming involved in a procession. An early start is essential, particularly on Sundays or holidays. The irritation of slow travel, mile after mile, is a cause of eventual risk-taking. Our roads do not lend themselves to overtaking when there is much traffic about, and if motorists are unable to exhibit the patience called for in a procession they Should make an earlier start and thus avoid processions. Those motorists who must travel slowly because their vehicles are hauling trailers or caravans should show consideration for others by starting early for their camping or picnicking place, and they should be especially careful that they do not overlook the courtesy due to following traffic. It is noted that many motorists do not consider very deeply the question of what is a safe load for their vehicles. . Absolute comfort and freedom of movement is essential for every driver, and it is entirely wrong to overload a vehicle so that a driver is denied instant access to the controls. Quite often cars are dangerously overloaded, as, in addition to several adults and children inside the car, some drivers load up the luggage and carrier space.

The effect of overloading is felt in the springing, steering, tyres, braking and acceleration, and all are important details of cafe motoring. Speed must be used only insofar as it is compatible with safety, and overloading should be accepted as an obstacle to speed and safety. Any driver who fails to adjust his speed to the increased weight of his vehicle has no right to expose his passengers or other motorists to danger, and if a few such drivers were given some useful advice by inspectors some good would be done. It is better to make two safe trips with a comfortable load than one dangerous journey with an overload, yet scores of motor-owners consider it the correct thing to make a vehicle creak with weight and set sail in traffic. There is no excuse for unsafe speed in going to or returning from a picnic or week-end jaunt. There can be no justification for being in an inordinate hurry. It is a sad commentary on motoring intelligence that drivers should mar a camp or picnic outing, a time of pleasure, relaxation, happiuess, by some form of accident due to wholly unnecessary speed, or to cutting in, overtaking, or other type of discourtesy or risk-taking. Vacation time should be safety time, though figures prove that many drivers continue to make it danger time.