THE ROAD-HOG COMPLEX.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2765, 21 August 1931, Page 4

THE ROAD-HOG COMPLEX.

AFTER an exhaustive study of the causes of motor accidents, an American scientist has come to the conclusion that the chief factor is the incurable vanity of human nature. No doubt there is a good deal in this’ view as can be observed on the road every day. The strange thing is, however, that people who are not generally selfish, pushing or assertive in other- walks of life become all these things at the driver’s wheel. Ts it that thy are intoxicated by the truly enormous power which they control, so easily and are thrown off their normal, fair-minded and good nstured balance ? At any rate, they think nothing of cutting in, of acting the road bully, of giving, others their dust, and will take all sorts of pains and risks not to' be passed. A writer in the “New Statesman” recently discussed the barbarian psychology and wondered how long it would be before civilising influences made themselves felt oh the road. How in short, can people be got to observe the same restraint at the motor wheel as they do in all other affairs? At present even the sanctity of human life is severely discounted on the road.