“INSANE SPEEDING "

Evening Star, Issue 19408, 17 November 1926, Page 6

“INSANE SPEEDING "

INDICTMENT Of MOTOR CYCLISTS TURNING STREETS INTO SPEEDWAYS The fact that there have been an extraordinary number of accidents to motor cyclists, particularly during the past year, must have impressed _ those who scan the accidents column in the ‘ Evening Star,’ and to-day a reporter sought to find'some explanation for this. The opinion was unanimous that the majority of the accidents were caused through the insatiable desire on the part of some misguided young men for the thrills associated with speeding. “Motor cycling,” said one man, who candidly admitted that he spoke from practical experience, “is the most dangerous pastime in the dominion at the present time, and the reason is not far to seek—a fair percentage of those who ride motor cycles are the be-jazzed type of young men, who have no sense of personal responsibility, and who apparently have no mental balance either. There is no doubt that the average man when he mounts a motor cycle lose.> his ad. What other explanation can be offered for the insane speeding that one sees every day, even in the city streets?” he asked.

The language used by the president of the Otago Motor Club (Mr A. E. Ansell) was not as strong as that, indulged in by the man with “ practical experience,” but he was equally emphatic that speeding had most to do with the accidents that were occurring, although he thought that bad roads also had to take a share of the blame. He pointed out that a bad patch that might not seriously perturb the driver of a car would have to be negotiated very carefully by a motor cyclist, and ; naturally, if he happened to he speeding in any way, there was an excellent chance of a, serious accident. “Many young fellows,” he said, ‘are apparently not satisfied with a reasonable rate of speed, particularly on a decent bit of road, where they will attempt anything from fifty to sixty miles an hour. As long as riders will do that sort of thing there will be accidents.”

The manager of an insurance company explained that his firm was not very anxious to take motor cycle risks. “In fact,” ho'added, “Iwould very much sooner do without this class of business at all, owing to the tremendous number of accidents.” He explained that the present comprehensive policy for motor cycles was very restricted, and also very costly. For a four-horse-power machine the premium was £5 6s for £6O, and £6 10s for £loo.* For seven horse power it was £8 5 for £SO and £9 10s, for £IOO. If a side car was attached or there was a pillion seat 20 per cent, was added, whilst 25 per cent, was put on in the case of a business motor cycle and side car. These rates Were very high compared with those ruling for motor cars._ as lie cited an instance of where a fairly hie car was insured for £SOO, the premium being £lO. Motor cycle owners naturally considered that the rates charged were too high, and consequently only a small percentage insured their machines. He was of opinion that the Government should insist that third party risks should be taken out as a protection to the public who woro likely to bo the victims of those who wanted to turn the streets into speedways. He stated that at the present time, if a pedestrian was knocked down and seriously injured, he might be unable to obtain any redress from the responsible, party. “It is just the man who is too poor to take out an insurance policy that the public require to be protected against, be emphasised. “Of course,” our informant added, “I don’t want to exonerate the public from stupidity; they have always to show that there has been negligence.” From another informant the reporter learnt that the insurance companies in South Africa would not take any more motor cycle risks owing to the number of accidents in that country during recent wears. It is considered likely that the underwriters will, take some drastic action in the dominion if the present accident rate is maintained.