Causes of Accidents

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 162, 28 June 1930, Page 13

Causes of Accidents

Alcohol and Bright Lights

Necessity to Face Problem

(By

“Sparks.”

The most serious problem for the motorist to-day is undoubtedly the ever-present risk of accidents. Accidents not necessarily causing injury to the motorist himself, but to other road users.

Invariably when an accident does occur, the motorist who is involved comes in for severe and rather unsympathetic criticism which, as often as not, is not fully justified. Careless drivers there are, no doubt, but most motorist to-day are highly skilled in the control of their cars and in emergencies show an extraordinary presence of mind. It must be remembered that the motorist, on our modern congested highways, requires much greater skill and presence of mind than the trained engine-driver on the speeding express, and this skill he is expected to acquire, and in fact can only acquire, under practical road driving conditions. Under -the circumstances, and considering the amount of traffic which uses the highways nowadays, it is really remarkable that the present large number of accidents is not much greater. As motor traffic, and consequently accidents to road users, are both increasing every year, it seems obvious that the problem of safer driving should be seriously concentrated upon with the object of eliminating all contributing factors to accidents, and because of the responsibility which is almost always laid at his door, the motorists should be the first to take up the solving of the problem.

THE RISK OF SPEED. Generally, speed in credited with causing the bulk of the accidents which occur. Personally, the writer does not think that even high speed, so long as the driver is experienced, and always has his car under control, causes half as many accidents as is usually imagined. Time was when twenty miles an hour was rightly considered excessive speed for the early motor car, for then neither drivers nor car mechanism were capable of meeting an emergency which necessitated a sudden stop. To-day over double this speed may not be nearly so dangerous, except under special circumstances. In saying this I am not advocating increasing the present speed limits, nor condoning inveterate speedsters, but am trying to point out that present-day higher speeds are not a big factor in the cause of accidents. WHISKY AND BRIGHT LIGHTS With vastly improved car mechanism, generally skilful drivers, and greatly improved roads, one has to look outside these- factors for the chief causes of accidents to-day, and from observation and personal experience I think it can safely be said that the two chief causes of serious accidents are whisky and bright lights. Let us take them in that order for consideration.

The proficient motorist realises that when he is in the driver’s seat he is controlling a high-speed vehicle which needs all his attention and calls for quickness of judgment and application of decisions. If his brain is befuddled, or even merely stimulated with drink, he cannot make the necessary decision in the second when actibn is necessary. This second lost may mean eternity for himself or some other individual. The motorist who “spots” deserves everything that is coining to him, but unfortunately he is not always the one who “gets it in the neck.” It is the opinion of most reasonable motorists, and apparently of most magistrates and judges also, that the man who has so little conception of his responsibility as a motor driver, that he takes the proverbial “three small beers” deserves to lose his license, be sent to prison, and be heavily fined into the bargain. If a man wants to drive a car, his first qualification should be that he is a total abstainer both before and when on the job. ALCOHOL “VERBOTEN.” The Berlin police authorities issue a card containing the following series of warnings to all those who take out motor driving licenses. This is what the warning says J. The arduous and responsible calling of the motor driver makes it necessary for him to abstain completely from all alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, etc.) both before and during his work. 2. The smallest quantities of alcohol are injurious for the motor driver. It is a widespread error that small quantities have no deleterious effect. On the contrary,

they cause at first an increase of self-confidence, followed by premature fatigue, and thus weaken his capacity for swift discrimination and reaction in the presence of danger. 3. A large proportion of motor accidents are due to the consumption of quite small quantities of alcohol.

4. Larger quantities of alcohol increase the danger, and lead finally to intoxication and rash and foolish actions. 5. The license will be refused in all cases to persons inclined to intemperance.

6. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden. Any driver found to be in a state of intoxication during his work will be placed under arrest, and his car taken in charge by the police. If he is proved to be drunken his license will be withdrawn.

7. The most serious accidents occur in the case of so-called “joyrides,” in which alcohol reguarly plays a part. In these cases the driver is liablj to a heavy penalty and the withdrawal of his license. 8. Every driver who does not totally abstain from the use of alcohol is not only a danger to himself and his fellows, but brings misfortune on his family. BLINDING LIGHTS. Next to alcohol, glaring headights are undoubtedly the greatest cause of accidents. Headlights are necessary for night driving, and bright headlights are pleasant to drive behind, but the unfortunate who has to face them is as handicapped as a bat in sunlight. The present regulations regarding the adjustment of focus are flagrantly neglected, and even were observance universal, the trouble of dazzle would be by no means removed. Reflection from wet pavements is practically as bad as direct glare. When, as to-day, the bitumen roadways are used by slow traffic, such as pedestrians and cyclists, equally with motor cars, there is bound to be a continuation of cyclists and slow traffic being run down. When passing a bright light there is always a “blind” spot where nothing can be seen, and woe betide the unfortunate who may occupy this. Devices designed to reduce the “dazzle” trouble apparently are so far not entirely satisfactory, otherwise no doubt their adoption would have been- enforced by the authorities ere this, but the position is so serious that no expenditure would be unwarranted which was directed towards the elimination of this risk.

Scientists have solved other and apparently more difficult problems than the provision of ample driving light without glare, and if necessary their services should be enlisted to overcome what is now the most serious menace to life and limb on our public roads.