"EXTREME DANGER"

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 137, 6 December 1935, Page 8

"EXTREME DANGER"

(Tp the Editor.)

Sir,—l should like, with your kind permission, to take this opportunity of replying to your correspondent "Abolish Speed," whose letter appeared in Wednesday's "Post" under the above heading. "Abolish Speed" contends that cars have got out of control with regard to spe^d, but forgets that a modern car, due to more efficient brakes, etc., is just as safe at what is considered a high speed as many an older car at a low speed. He also states that speed limits in the city are a "washout." Well I, for one, should like to. see "Abolish Speed" drive through Wellington city at his 100 ft per second—a mere 68 miles per hour, and the speed at which he says cars are leaping at poor unsuspecting pedestrians. I would take a modest bet with him that he would not get away with it.

Also, although I agree with him that road manners leave much to be desired, I do not agree with him that there are too many youths and children driving cars, notwithstanding the fact that driving licences are not issued to anyone under 16 years of age. Further, your correspondent should know that in properly-conducted tests younger drivers have been proved superior to older people, and their reactions in emergency quicker.

I may add that the mere fact of an inspector having to do 80 miles per hour pursuing a.delinquent emphatically does not support the plea that cars capable of this speed should not be allowed registration. The main object of the extra power in these cars which enables high speed (which is sometimes abused) is not so much high speed as good performance on hills and quick acceleration from low speeds, and these qualities in a hilly country, such as this, are absolutely necessary if a maximum of driving ease and comfort is desired.—l am, etc.,

YOUTH.