MOTOR-CAR "LIFTS"

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 123, 20 November 1931, Page 10

MOTOR-CAR "LIFTS"

RISK TO MOTORIST

! COMPENSATION ASPECT

(Py Teleßraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.")

PALMEESTON N., This Day.

The risks attendant on giving, anyone a "lift" in a motor-car were the subject, of discussion at yesterday?s meeting of thee Dairy Farmers' Union executive, when a remit was under discussion urging that the law relating to motor vehicles should be amended so that anyone accepting a free ride in another person's car should .do so at their own risk without any liability on the owner of the vehicle.

This matter evoked considerable dis'eussion, nobody appearing to understand the regulations clearly.

Mr.-P. J. Small, in seconding a motion in this regard moved by Mr. F. J. Legg, said that the motorist would get to" a point soon where he would not risk carrying a passenger. "In a civilised country like New Zealand," he; declared, "if one cannot pick up in a car a person walking along the road •without being liable to compensation for him if an accident occurs—then there is something radically wrong with the Jaws of the Dominion." The regulation destroyed the liberty of the motorist, and he was now duty bound to drive past the, man oh the roadside or "become an insurance company and accept all risk."

Mr. Legg said it was an urgent matter that some adjustment be made and he contended that motorists generally should riot tolerate such action. "We should^not sit down and let people treat us like this," he added.

A member: "You are not liable unless you are negligent, are you?" Mr. Small: "No, that"is correct; but they can always prove you are negligent." . ••■■■ -; ..-■ , y :' The motion was then moved, but an amendment came forward to the effect that. £1 already paid for the thirdparty risk should cover all passengers Jacked up and given free rides. Mr. L. Poupard stated that he was against the motion, pointing out that a motorist under the Influence of liquor could pick up children and, meeting •with an accident, be exonerated tinder the proposal submitted. On the other hand a man, sober and careful, would always free himself of a charge of negligent driving. Members generally cited cases in regard to thy proposal, and upon the amendment being put to the meeting.it was lost, only two voting for it. The original motion, treating, the matter as an urgent one, was carried.