SAFETY ON ROADS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 180, 28 April 1941, Page 3

SAFETY ON ROADS

Automobile Association Message

“Far too many motorists do not attach as much importance as they should to the vital necessity for a clear view ahead. There is evidence of this ■fact in the obscured condition of windscreens,” says the latest road safety message of the Automobile Association (Wellington). “The principal cause of bad visibility is dust and travel grime which collect bn the windscreen and windows gradually and steadily, and cause serious obscuration of the view not only in.front but to the sides,” the bulletin states. “There are other windscreens which have become markedly discoloured of themselves through some change in the nature of the glass, and there are windscreens, principally on very old vehicles, which have even cracked and been patched in some way so that, the pieces are kept in place. All windscreen replacements today must be of safety glass. ■‘Bafl visibility means potential danger for the driver, and for pedestrians and other road users. Dust on the windscreen aggravates the effect of glare from the sun by day and from the headlights of cars by night. “The regulations demand a clean windscreen.- For instance, clause 5 of regulation 10 says: ‘No person-shall drive a motor-vehicle fitted with a windscreen forward of the driver unless such windscreen is at all times kept clean and clear so that the driver’s view forward will'not be impeded or obstructed.’

“Maximum visibility Is essential for maximum safety, and every driver should make absolutely certain that his view ahead gives him the fullest opportunity of seeing any danger and thereby avoiding it. Many wise motorists clean the windscreen at least once a day or more often, and many who are also wise carry a damp chamois leather in the car on a journey.”