HUMAN FACTOR IN ACCIDENTS

Evening Star, Issue 22247, 27 January 1936, Page 13

HUMAN FACTOR IN ACCIDENTS

The authorities in the State of Massachusetts, who have taken an active part in framing traffic laws, recently carried out a most comprehensive and costly survey, with a view to obtaining precise data concerning the causes of road accidents, and the remedies which might be introduced. The fact that the Federal Government of the United States made a contribution of £BO,OOO towards the cost of tliis investigation indicates that it was not a spectacular “ stunt ” undertaken by an enterprising provincial authority, but one whose results might he very helpful in the promotion of national traffic safety.

The method adopted was to make a close check of the actions of motorists at dangerous parts.of the roads, and it is reported that more than 2,000,000 motorists were scrutinised in the course of this survey of traffic troubles by observers stationed at appropriate points and by others who cruised the roads in cars. The most noteworthy fact in the evidence compiled was that about 90 per cent, of accidents in which motor vehicles were concerned might be attributed to the human factor, and not to some defect in the mechanism of the vehicle or its tyres. Among the principal causes of mishaps in which the condition of the car rather than the conduct of the driver was deemed to be the proximate cause of an accident, defective brakes and headlamps were said to predominate.