DIGEST OF MOTOR VEHICLES ACT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2766, 24 August 1931, Page 6

DIGEST OF MOTOR VEHICLES ACT.

(Specially Written for the “Hauraki Plains Gazette.”) CARE OF THE BRAKES. Every motor vehicle, other than a trailer or motor cycle, ■ shall be equipped with two independent brakes attached thereto, one being a foot brake and the other a hand brake. Each of tjie brakes shall be 1 suitable for all needs of traffic on used grades} and of. such efficiency that the application of either will, without assistance from the compression of the engine, cause all the road wheels, other than the steering wheels, to be prevented from revolving when the brake is applied. Eveiy motor cycle shall be equipped with at least one brake attached thereto, which shall act upon the rear wheel of the motor cycle and he suitable for all needs of traffic, .and be of such efficiency that its application will prevent' such rear wheel from revolving. When a side car is attached another brake of reasonable efficiency is required. Each brake shall be capable of easy adjustment and shall be maintained at all times in good working order. It is an offence for any person to operate any motor vehicle not equipped with , a brake or brakes as required by the Regulations. It is a positive danger to drive a car without efficient brakes. It is equally as dangerous to rely too much on the efficiency of the brakes. Remember that l with brakes fully efficient, a car travelling at 40 miles per hour takes 50 feet or more to stop. WARNING INSTRUMENTS OR . MOTOR HORNS. It is an offence to operate any motor vehicle without such vehicle having a’warning device whiten is in good working order. Such a warning device shall only be used for reasonable traffic needs, and shall net produce a shrieking, raucous or offensive noise. Remember that ypur horn is intended to be 1 used as a warning and an indication, if needed, of your presence on the road; it should not be used as a threat. Sound your horn when approaching a danger .point or when about to overtake, unless you are satisfied such a precaution is unnecessary. Do not take.it for granted that your warning has been heard; in no circumstances can the sounding of a horn excuse a driver from taking every other precaution to avoid an accident. Motor horns should not be used unnecessarily, and always with consideration for others, and especially for those ir. charge of animals. They should never be used to show annoyance or impatience. DOGS. Drivers of motor vehicles should not 1 f encourage dogs to follow and run with the motor vehicle. A dog running loose in traffic is a danger to itself and to everyone else. ' GENERAL. . Bear in mind the difficulties of others, and try not to add to them.