Causes Of Mishaps

Northern Advocate, 26 June 1937, Page 13

Causes Of Mishaps

Fast Drivers? “Speed Not Dangerous” 9 MUCH POOR JUDGMENT. In reference to a recent address by Mr R. J./ Laird on the motor accident problem, a correspondent has written to the “Auckland Star” disclaiming Mr Laird’s assertion that speed is the primary cause of all traffic accidents. The correspondent claims that the motor accident figures prove that speed is not the .main cause of accidents, and that actually it takes third place in the list- witH about. 15, per cent, of the accidents enumerated. “It js disastrous to think that men of experience,, magistrates and traffic officials, have been repeating this stupid formula for years, and ; that they are more or less responsible for today’s conditions in that they have hot- given the protilem real thought, and. have not staled dr attacked the true cause of accidents,” he writes. Every motorist knows that speed in itself is not dangerous. ' It is also a

fact that the desire for speed will

never be curbed. (Speed, of course, can. be anything from 10 m.p.K.) A glance at the reasons for accidents published in the ‘Star’ will show the following in round figures: Failure to give way, 25 per ' cent.; incorrect side of road, 30 per cent.; cutting corners, 10 per cent.'; overtaking and cutting inj 10 per eent. “These figures, then, must show the faults which contribute to the greatest number of accidents. Ini my opinion the faults can be listed as follows: Poor judgment, carelessness, intolerance or lack of consideration. If a driver is unable to exercise good judgment, care and consideration, what right has he to a license? How often have

motorists,^'had the need of these desirable qualities pointed, opt to. them? 1 'Every driver is , capable of improving along these lines providing he receives : tiie necessary education; but: Ip be t continually, attacked on the score of

speed is almost useless. Every driver

will, driver fast at times. He knows that it; is; not dangerous-unless he (unconsciously) makes a faulty judgment, or is careless or inconsiderate.

’if'hei has the aforementioned good qualities well developed lie will not need to worry about interpreting our laws, because he will be truly a safe driver.”

That'a car is noisy and ill-appearing is no reason for refusing it the use of the roads,: But 'if'it does hot easily or stop easily, its owner should get it repaired or withdraw it from Star. "