Drivers’ Awards For Avoiding Accidents

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7201, 26 April 1930, Page 16

Drivers’ Awards For Avoiding Accidents

GOLD JstEDAL FOR SEN YEARS IMMUNII

Although it is said that the number of motor aciedents is decreasing each year in proportion to the number of cars on the road, the fact remains that accidents, many of them attended by 1 loss of life, are still unpleasantly numerous. The motorist recognises this as much as anyone and is just as anxious as the pedestrian to 'devise some means of reducing the dangers of the road. The North Island Motor Union has before it at the present time two “safety first” schemes which have been operating with some success in Australia, and- it is likely that similar schemes Will be brought into effect in New Zealand.

When in Australia recently Mr. H. C. Jones, who has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the North Island [Motor Union for some years, inquired into tho schemes which arc controlled by the National Safety Council of Australia, an incorporated body whose objects mhygbo summed up as follow: “For safety on the road, at work and in the home.” The council receives support from tho Government, the Automobile Association and tho public, and its work was recently Very favourably commented upon by the Senior Constable of Victoria, the police statistician and the officer in chargo of the traffic branch of the police force. The first scheme undertaken by the council was a “freedom from accident” competition for drivers of motor vehicles. In reporting upon this competition, Mr. Jones said: “The 1 competition, in out case, would bo open to all drivers of motor vehicles who are continuously employed during the period of 12 months from the date of entry in each year by local authorities, by commercial and other undertakings, and by individuals who aro members of tho affiliated association. Tho awards are:—-

(a) A diploma to every driver Who is certified by his employer to have completed tho 12 months from date of en* try each year without being involved in any accident for which he was in any way blameworthy. (b) A silver medal to every driver upon first completing five consecutive years of freedom from accidents, for each of which lie holds the award of tho association, including that of the current competition. (c) A bar for the medal to every driver for each further year of freedom from accident who is in possession of the above medal. (d) A gold medallion to every driver upon first completing ten consecutive years of freedom from accident for

each of which he holds the award of the association,- including that for tho current competition, Simple Conditions

“The conditions governing the Competition are very simple, but drivers must be entered by their employers. Drivers who wish to compete must notify their employers of their desire to enter. Employers are required to Bend to their Automobile Association a list of entrants for tho current year. No awards will be made unless competitors aro formally entered as above. Employers aro required to forward, not later than 30 days after completion of 12 months from date'of entry, a declaration giving the names of ail competitors who during. tiro 12 months thus ended wore regularly driving for . at least ten calendar months, during which time they were free from accident for which they were in any way blameworthy. Certificates Will bo presented in June and UecembOr of c&cli year. ” Mr. Jones also paid sottm attention to tho campaign which iB being carried out in Australia with the object of teaching ‘‘safety first” principles in tho schools. Reporting on this, he states: “Quito a lot of the Work the N.S.C. is doing is quite outside the objects of automobile associations, but 1 think by modifying its scheme and usiug it as a basis Wo can ovblvo oho which will .enable Us to teach ‘safety first’ in the schools and assist to avoid accidents outside. Tho National {Safety Council, when inaugurating what it terms the Junior Safety Council, stated: ‘lf Wo are to reach the objective we have set for this Work some Organisation will bo necessary. Fupils must have tho opportunity to do safety work as well as to study it in the class room. This cau only como through some organisation plan that will bring children into active participation in the work.’ The National Safety Council is not only organising these junior safety councils but is providing lecturers and supplying badges for tho two classes of members and armlets for the patrols. The duty of .these patrols, which aro formed as part of each junior safety council, is to guard dangerous intersections, preventing children rushing into -trams and motors and out of playgrounds across the road, etc., and it is very gratifying to noto that road users are giving patrols every consideration. The National (Safety Council has had a number of moving pictures taken in connection With the ‘safety first’ movement, showing how dangerous it is to take unnecessary risks, and if desired, is prepared to loan the same at a later date to our union. Further, it published a great deal of literature and is issuing nearly 1,000,000 booklets, entitled ‘Safety on the Roads.’ ” The North Island Motor Union has already decided to open a “safety first” campaign in the schools by means of a series of posters, pointing to the dangers of the road and how they may be avoided. The other scheme, that of the drivers’ competition, has been referred to the various associations for consideration.