“SAFETY FIRST”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 258, 14 October 1932, Page 10

“SAFETY FIRST”

CORRECT DRIVING METHODS STUDY OT ESSENTIAL POINTS ADVICE FOR THE MOTORIST Contributed by H.B.A.A. Service Officer Owing to physical disability or mental temperament many motorists can uever hope to become expert drivers, but by studying the essential points of driving, almost anyone may become a careful driver and not a menace to other road users. The causes of road accidents may be divided roughly into two classes—viz., those caused through mechanical breakdowns and those arising through faulty driving. This week’s notes will deal with the latter cause. In order to eliminate accidents arising through mechanical trouble, which, by the way, your insurance policy does not cover, have your garage man check over the car periodically. You will find it far cheaper to have some small adjustment or replacement made now than to wait until a breakdown makes it essential.

Comfort is the first essential for good driving. Adjust the seat so that you have plenty of support for the back. Now depress the clutch and brake pedals to their fullest possible extent. Move the seat forward so that this can ge done without altering your driving position, or if no adjustment is provided place a cushion at the back. This point is most important, as in the case of sudden emergency instantaneous action and complete freedom o'i movement may be found necessary to bring the car to a sudden stop. POSITION OVER WHEEL. Don’t crouch over the wheel. This attitude will immediately mark you as either a novice or a nervous driver. Sit well back and look well ahead and you will take in a far longer vision of everything in the path. Don’t cultivate the habit of driving with only one hand but, when driving at low speeds, as far as possible relax all muscles and, keeping both hands on the wheel, require only one of them to control the steering. When cornering or travelling at comparatively high speeds when road shocks are more, severe on the action of the steering and the risk of a blowout always present, a firm grip of the wheel should be taken by both hands. Even then do pot contract all your muscles and lean over the wheel. Remember that there is now no mainroad rule as far as the motorist is concerned. Traffic emerging from side roads has the same rights and, of course, the same responsibilities as main-road traffic. The only rule for side-road traffic is the very useful but often misunderstood right hand rule. Remember that although you may have tho right of way according to this rule, you must still prove that you exercised all reasonable care before you can be absolved from blame in the event of an accident. Therefore it is always advisable to slow down and be prepared to stop, unless an uninterrupted view can be obtained. HAND SIGNALS. Too much importance cannot be given to hand signals. Some motorists have absolutely no consideration for those travelling behind them. Before slowing down, stopping, or turning, it is very necessary to give a clearly defined signal, making sure that the vehicle following has sufficient warning. That little friendly wave of the hand is simply inviting trouble. Make the signal clearly and hold it until the new movement has begun. A friend of the writer’s who has suffered at the hands of that much maligned person, the woman driver, makes the suggestion that if rings were worn cn the right instead of the left hands their signals would be far better.

When approaching pedestrians who are inclined to hesitate whether to go forward or to stop, it is advisable to indicate with a hand signal the direction you intend to take. “Learn to avoid the other man” is a rule that should be learned by every motorist. Regard every obstacle or person in your path as something dangerous which it is your duty to avoid. When you learn to “dodge” you will be proficient at the wheel. Even on straight roads every movement of an approaching vehicle should be watched until it is safely passed. Try to cultivate the habit of driving on the lefthand side of the road, and when passing another vehicle give it as much room as possible. Six inches of clearance may be quite all right if all goes well, but it will lead to disaster in the event of a sudden swerve caused through a pot-hole, puncture, or other unexpected circumstance. DRIVING ON HILLS.

When driving on hills never wait until you are right on a bend before changing down; if you have the slightest doubt regarding your car’s pulling capabilities, change down while there is yet a clear view ahead. Remember that on a hill you have far more control over your ear when in second gear than in top.

Keep the tyres inflated to their correct pressure and steering will be rendered far easier, skidding risks minimised and rolling practically eliminated. Finally, watch for and take note of all traffic, danger, and direction signs erected by the local authorities and automobile associations. They are placed there for your guidance, not merely to decorate the landscape.