CAR OVERTURNS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 63, 12 September 1938, Page 10

CAR OVERTURNS

REAR TYRE BLOWS OUT

The danger to motorists of continuing to drive their cars on well-worn tyres was again illustrated at 10.25 a.m. yesterday, when a light car travelling south along the Hutt Road overturned about a mile north of Ngahauranga. The cause of the accident was a blow-out in a rear tyre, which caused the car to swerve on to the macadam and overturn. A rumour, which spread widely overnight, was to the effect that the accident was caused by the car being sandwiched between two buses. The fact was that two buses were first on the scene after the accident, and they both drew up to see if any assistance was required. Although the car was extensively damaged, no one was injured. An inspection revealed that the nearside rear tyre had worn through, and had a sleeve in it. A front tyre also had a hole in the cover larger than a half-crown, and this was covered with a piece of rubber. The car had been bought second-hand some days before, and with it a warrant of fitness had been issued. The powers conferred on traffic departments make no provision for the prosecution of motorists for using smooth or worn tyres, though it is plain that the use of such tyres nullifies the effect of the brakes and renders the car liable to go out of control. There is no provision in the tests prescribed for the warrant of fitness for the testing of tyres. A car could quite easily pass the warrant of fitness test with faulty tyres, which might stand up to the strain of anything but a sudden emergency. The Traffic Department has been concerned about this matter for some time, and it is hoped that some action will be taken in the near future.