SAFETY IN THE STREETS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 21, 20 October 1941, Page 6

SAFETY IN THE STREETS

Timely reference to the need for greater co-operation by pedestrians in avoiding the dangers of dimly-lit streets is contained in t ie annual report of the Automobile Association (Wellington).. It would seem, however, that little improvement is to be expected until a regular discipline is imposed on the pedestrian public in general, not only in time of lighting restrictions but at all times. Appeals have been voiced repeatedly, yet the practice of "jay-walking,” at night as well as in daytime, is as common as ever. Regulations for. pedestnan control exist, but unfortunately they have seldom been strictly enfoiced, save at busy intersections controlled by traffic officers. In consequence city pedestrians have got into careless habits. As it is generally agreed by both traffic authoiities and motorists’ representatives that greater caution must be inculcated and better discipline introduced, the problem should be tackled with resolution. All who go on foot after daik in. city an suburbs should be required to wear white, even if it is in the expedient manner of tying a white handkerchief in the foim o a broad armband. And all should be compelled to use appointed street crossings and otherwise obey long-standing traffic regulations. There are as sound reasons for the prosecution of pedestrians who bieak traffic regulations, as for the familiar prosecution of offending motorists. Happily, the education of children in pedestrian discipline appears to have made progress. As the secretary of the Automobile Association stated in an address last week to the Wellington School Committees and Education Association, the results have been so. encouraging that the system of regular, organized instruction is being extended. It is to be expected, therefore, that the problem will diminish as younger generations succeed older. In the meantime the more difficult task of adult education should be assisted by the imposition of disciplinary action. To vary an old proverb an ounce of penalty is worth a ton of exhortation.