ESSENTIAL TO ROAD SAFETY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 260, 1 August 1939, Page 11

ESSENTIAL TO ROAD SAFETY

Tail-Lights On Vehicles

ABSENCE NOT UNCOMMON FAULT

“It is not uncommon to see many motor-vehicles on the roads at night without a tail-light showing, and the conclusion is forced that many motorists are not as diligent as they might be in ensuring that tail-lights comply in every particular with the regulations,” says the latest road safety message of the Automobile Association' (Wellington). "The absence of tail-lights is appll-> cable not only to motor-vehicles of allkinds, but also to horse-drawn vehicles. While the danger through vehicles generally not carrying an effective taillight is considerable, perhaps the greatest degree of risk is represented in the truck or lorry because of the width of such vehicles, and the absence of any reflective surface or distinguishing colours at the rear. The danger of overtaking such trucks or lorries on narrow roads is very real, as following drivers are fully aware. “The regulations demand the use of an effective tail-light for two important reasons: (1) That the number plate and its number may be plainly revealed. (2) That a red light may show clearly to the rear, and if taillights are placed as near to the righthand side of the vehicle as possible clear indication of the width of. the vehicle will ’be given to following drivers, a most valuable contribution to road safety. It has been noted that now and then vehicles have., been abroad at night time with a white light showing to the rear. That is ; a highly dangerous fault, and one in direct conflict with the regulations. “Every motorist should be as. careful of maintaining the tail-light'in effective working condition as he is of the headlights. Because the tail-light is at the rear it is too often forgotten till an inspector, or a policeman, draws attention to the faulty equipment. On very many cars the tail-light is subject to bombardment by road metal flung up by the wheels, but a more common, cause of trouble conies from damage done by other cars to,-the taillight on parking places. The bulbs and filaments are very sensitive and delicate, wires become chafed, ,pnd connexions become dirty. It is only by constant supervision that tail-lights, and everything else about a car, can be maintained in effective, safe order. A spare lamp bulb is an essential to every complete kit. Such bulbs are easily carried in a cubby hole, or a door pocket, even, if properly protected.”