The Right-hand Rule

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 211, 7 September 1938, Page 12

The Right-hand Rule

4 4 MUST BE REASONABLE * ’ The “rule of the right” in traffic cases must bo interpreted reasonably, declared Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M., in tho Christchurch Magistrate’s Court. He uoscribed it as a very vexed question, and ono which caused an unnecessary amount of trouble. Unfortunately, said the Magistrate, the view of this regulation was affected by all kinds of complications, and ho thought it advisable to make a brief statement on tho application of tho rule. “In cvery-tluy driving we are faced with this position all tho time. We approach a right-hand corner, keeping u careful look-out, driving at a reasonable speed, and taking all precautions. But until wo actually reach tho corner we cannot see if any traffic is coming toward us from the right. The car on the right is also, presumably, taking all proper care. “On seeing the car on tho right we stop dead, if tho other car comes on and rams us, aro we to be treated as ruling to give way to traffic on the right* “Iso, wo are not, because there must bo a reasonable interpretation of the rule.” Ho added that ho would like to see rule made absolute as far as it was possible for such a rule to bo absolute, but it must be applied with reasonableness. Tho Magistrate dismissed a charge against a woman drivor of failing to give way, holding that the speed of the other car concerned was excessive.