MOTORING.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11493, 21 November 1931, Page 10

MOTORING.

DANGEROUS DRIVENG

THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

RUNNING ON THE CAMBER

DOES IT INVITE SKIDS?

Is it a peculiarity of Britishers to stick to tlio middle of the road? In a recent issue of “Tlio Motor,” an editorial comments on the Bfitissh custom of hugging; as far as possible, the centre of the highway, and says 'that such driving methods would not bo tolerated “abroad.” If the word, “abroad” includes New Zealand" the editor can be assured that in this section of the great abroad such methods are the rule. •• The editor of “The Motor” says that such a praetieo would not be tolerated oii the Continent. Lucky Continentals I Frenchmen, Spaniards, Italians, Germans, Austrians, all inferior creatures in the eyes of your true-blue Britisher, aro all better motorists,' and, indeed if unselfishness is tlio brand of the real Christian, better Christians. But the practice of driving on tho crown of the road is so common here that doubtless the offenders, comprising a large proportion bf the total number of motorists in NOW Zealand, will claird' that it is a tendency inherent in those of British blood. The practice of keeping somo distance from the kerb! is never so dangerous as on a' slippery surface. Yet it is mono prevalent tlien than at a?iy other time. Mu’cli as".tho or- : dinary driver fears the edge of the road under dry conditions, a shower of rain evokes a general desire to keep away from it at-all costs. Tho idea seems to be that to drive on the camter is inviting a skid, whereas, did these poor wits but know 'it, the ker» -s their greatest friend on

a slippery surface. If a c at ski<& CP the centre of tho road, the chances are that it will make a lateral slide to tho gutter, and strike the kerb with such force that the vehicle null overturn. Thq shorter tho distance from tho loerb tbo less the impact, Appreciat ;ion of this fact, would have avoided a number of serious accidents duo to skidding. The practice is a predisposing cause of accidents. It completely reduces the effective width of a road. It makes a thoroughfare like the Great South Road no better than a country lane. Until those in charge of cars can steer with more precision there is good reason for suggesting that they are not fit to be trusted on the road. A little practice in steering on a course marked out by strips of paper would quickly enable ■ this defect to be overcome, and as there is no desire to see driving tests, \vitn all their anomalies and vexations, introduced, it would be advisable for the average motorist to giYc this matter his earnest attention.