DRIVING IN TRAFFIC

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1742, 25 June 1936, Page 4

DRIVING IN TRAFFIC

THE HUMAN ELEMENT I t It is the man at the car . wheeL. who, in the last analysis, is responsible for minor traffic mishaps, and the plea is made for greater consideration for other people by avoiding sudden departures from a straight line, more care in giving hand signals, and greater concentration on driving generally. Town traffic is now so difficult, it is considered that if those people who offend by inconsiderate driving, by “ cutting in,” and giving perfunctory hand signals, would curb their impatience and pay more attention to ordinary courtesies, traffic driving would be much more pleasant and fewer emergencies.would arise. There is another type of driver who makes things very difficult for other people. He is the indecisive; man, who apparently has such small faith in his own judgment that when a position arises where he has to make up his mind whether to keep on going or stop to let other drivers pass across his bows, he so tentatively creeps forward inch by inch, gripping the wheel hard and staring with fixed intensity at other traffic, that the drivers of approaching cars have not the foggiest idea of his intentions and traffic around him is demoralised thoroughly in consequence.

BE DEFINITE Skill and judgment in traffic driving vary tremendously with different drivers. This is why some (taxi drivers are a good example) sail through the heaviest traffic with confidence and without making a false move, while others, not so used Jo it, perhaps, become a little bewildei’ed, their judgment is not so sound, and they hang back at an opeiiiilg .another driver would take. The poiiit is, however, that drivers should recognise their limitations, and, knowing them, should always drive in confidence within the limits of their own skill. If any doubt exists about the wisdom of proceeding, they should hold back ancf wait until they are sure it is safe to #b ahead, and in the meantime should have sufficient strength of mind - to take no notice whatever of exhibitions of impatience from other motorists and tram drivers as exemplified by impatient blowing of horns and clanging of bells. It is this, which flusters, many nervous new drivers. (Continued' In Previous Column)