HOLIDAY TRAFFIC

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22510, 13 December 1947, Page 6

HOLIDAY TRAFFIC

CARE ON ROADS MOTORISTS ADVISED DRINKING DISCOURAGED “Despite the restrictions on petrol, > it is expected that traffic this Christ- ■ mas will be as heavy as ever experienced in New Zealand," said the Com--1 missioner of Transport, Mr. G. L. Laurenson, in a statement to the press. ! Commenting on the increased 5 hazards associated with such heavy ; traffic, Mr. Laurenson mentioned 5 that one of the most important 1 safety factors was for all drivers to 1 ensure that their cars were in good mechanical condition before they ’ started out. > “Drivers should make sure that their ; brakes, steering and lights are in good . working order,!' be said. “If there is any possible doubt it is better to have the car checked by an expert. Make sure that the load on the car_ is not | too great for the tyres, especially it : they are at all worn. 1 “If at all possible,” said Mr. Lau- : renson, “make an early start on yo'.u ' holiday trip. Plan to. get away in ! plenty of time and avoid the need for fast travelling. Speed not only causes ' accidents, but also wastes petrol and ! places an unnecessary strain on the driver.” Effect of Alcohol j As regards the taking of intoxicating liquor by drivers of motor-vehicles, Mr • Laurenson quoted the Road Code, which, he said, had been proved abun- ! dantly correct by the evidence at large ; numbers of fatal accidents, r Under the ’heading “Should One . Drink At All Before Driving?” the . Road Code states: “Most authorities , would hesitate to lay . down an absolue rule on the point for private ; drivers. It is the individual’s responi sibility. The average driver should at : least be warned that even a little ■ alcohol will have the double effect of i making him drive worse and believe ’ that he is driving better. “Drunken driving has always been too common over the Christmas season,” said Mr. Laurenson, “and every effort will be made to apprehend drivers who are intoxicated 1 “While our road accident rate over 1 the last summer holidays was not as bad as had fc/’n experienced in the past. I would urge all who will be on the roads this year to exercise continual care and help make this holiday season even more accident-free,” concluded the Commissioner. ;