MOTORDOM

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 71, 17 December 1937, Page 17

MOTORDOM

by

Chassis

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM STATISTICS

Causes Of Accidents Analysed For

Your Benefit

THE failure of motorists to adapt their driving habits to the actual J road conditions confronting them is demonstrated very clearly m the figures compiled by the Transport Department for the March J - November 30 period of this year. These figures offer a very valuable lesson in accident avoidance for those drivers who are receptive to lessons. Some drivers are.

The road surfaces on which 1332 accidents were caused included wet bitumen 488, loose metal 308, wet concrete 118, pot-holes 35, wet clay 32, and 149 were caused on narrow roa'ds. If motorists adjusted their speed in all Instances in accordance not only with the traffic on roads but also in accordance with the surfaces of the roads themselves, the accident statistics would be less imposing than they are. Unfortunately, there are many varying types of drivers with varying temperaments, experience, and degrees of ordinary commonsense. There are drivers who have made a habit of fairly high speed. It becomes a sort of standard rate of travel, and is applied on wet surfaces, or any surface for that matter. For months or years they get away with a dangerous speed on surfaces which become dangerous because of that speed. Unknowingly, but luckily, they have been taking risks with speed and road surface. Then, one day, the combination of speed and road surface is just what is required for a first-class accident. Or it may be a treacherous skid, a close call of some sort; something to give the driver a fright, a much-needed lesson. But it may be a serious injury or something worse, and the lesson has come, perhaps, too late. Some drivers scarcely ever get oft’ a paved road, and are unused to loose shingle surfaces. They are not used to braking effects, skids, and side-slip on the loose shingle surface, and in an emergency strike a lot of trouble. Braking and control of the car are seriously affected by wet bitumen or concrete, and on shingle or clay, and it is a wise and safe motorist who gets the “feel” of his steering and brakes before he attempts to take any risks with changed road conditions. Tyre pressures have a lot to do with safety in shingle, particularly, as any one with hard tyres can vouch.

Always adjust your driving to meet changed road conditions. Then, again, narrow roads and obstructed view were set down as the circumstances of 235 accidents. It is clear that far too many motorists fall to appreciate their full responsibilities as drivers who have not a clear view ahead. At this Christmas season it is timely to counsel motorists concerning such responsibilities. Hundreds will be setting out on long or short tours, on strange roads, and on the narrow, winding roads which are frequently met with in both islands. On very many roads, even with vehicles just moving, it is difficult for two cars to pass, and it should be obvious to drivers that speed which will not allow a vehicle t° be halted in a very short distance is decidedly dangerous. Narrow, winding roads are signals for driving concentration as the range of vision is shortened, and any bend may be the mask for a halted or an approaching vehicle. Sound the horn, but do not rely on the horn. The warning device will not prevent an accident if your speed is too great and your brakes fail of their full effectiveness. It requires only two risk-takers on any sort of road to cause damage and injury.. If the road is very narrow and you know there is a vehicle approaching,. select a conveniently wide place, pull in to the extreme left, and halt until the other vehicle passes. Or, slow down, and take your time in passing the other vehicle. You will find many instances of obstructed view on your tour. It may be a corner masked by trees, or even the long grass by the wayside; it may be a standing vehicle, or a vehicle being overtaken. If you have not a substantial view of clear road ahead slacken speed, even to stopping if necessary. Don’t take any chances; they are not worth it.