SAFETY FIRST

Hawera Star, Volume L, 25 October 1930, Page 4

SAFETY FIRST

LEVEL CROSSING ACCIDENTS WIDE INTEREST IN LOCAL ’ INVENTION (Contributed.) The alarming increase of level crossing accidents on the railway has brought this matter seriously before tlie public, and much thought and attention has been given to the solution of a very difneult problem. All kinds of devices have been put forward—some fantastic, some unworkable, some with the germs of an idea whicli might oe suitable if developed on right lines, but with many objectionable features which would have to be eliminated. The locomotive drivers, firemen and guards are vitally interested in having some trustworthy automatic device to stop the appalling accidents and consequent loss of life. The public, speaking generally, are mostly interested in the victims of the various accidents that have occurred, but a thought might be spared for the men on tlie footplate and in the guard’s van. A man of any sensibility and human feelings, as the drivers, of course, are, must feel the constant strain of being ever on the watch for a disastrous collision. The ordinary perils of the permanent way.-l are quite sufficient to try the * of even the most hardened man, but/ when the possibility, indeed, the probability, of running down a careless motorist and perhaps killing him and several passengers as well is added it must make his life a purgatory at times. The writer has come across one driver who has had three of these fatal collisions, and is assured by the driver that he is in a state of constant terror. Such a state of nervous anticipation must be detrimental to him, and must consequently help to destroy his efficiency. This cannot be an isolated instance, and if the public 1 would only consider that there are hundreds of these men all subject to the same disability, it is time they sat up and took notice. The local branch of the Locomotive Engine-drivers, Firemen and Cleaners’ Association was called together last Sunday morning (Sunday being the only -day on which they are free) to witness a demonstration of an automatic device to prevent accidents, on level crossings, the work of a local resident, who has had considerable assistance from another dweller in our midst who. specialises in making models. Space forbids an exhaustive description, but it will be sufficient to say that- the locomotive itself first touches a trip on the rails some distance away which gives warning at the crossing of its approach; then, further on, it touches another trip which, by an ingenious arrangement of counter poises, brings down barriers on both sides of the line on the principle of a portcullis, and effectively bars the way. There are other points in connection with the device which space again forbids much enlarging on. The meeting of railwaymen seemed to be much impressed, and the inventor has rceived a letter from the secretary which contains the following passage: “Our branch of the E.F. and C.A., after having viewed your model for controlling traffic and discussing same, consider that it is the only patent yet brought before our notice which will effectively stop the everincreasing number of level crossing accidents.” This, coming from a body of men w T ho know, should surely have weight with the authorities. Their slogan, “Safety First,” which heads these remarks, is one which in itself should be a sufficient indication of their willingness to investigate any proposed device which would help to save life, limb and property. The motorists of the country are vitally interested in the dreadful possibilities of accidents, and the various automobile associations of New Zealand ought to consider the advisability of giving the device consideration. It is a matter, too, in which the Highways Board, to say nothing of borough and county councils, are directly concerned.