For Negligent Drivers

Northern Advocate, 28 January 1939, Page 6

For Negligent Drivers

Drastic measures to reduce the road tbll have been taken in the biggest road safety campaign- in the history of .Johannesburg. Some revolutionary proposals have been put forward to deal with negligent and reckless drivers and unsafe vehicles, proposals which are interesting, in view of the attitude adopted in New Zealand toward carelessness on the highway. The suggestions arise from the steady increase in the number of road deaths and accidents in Johannesburg yearly. It'is proposed that authority should be given to broadcast all negligence cases, with full names of, the people concerned, and details of the sentence. Other proposals are:—To compel drivers convicted of negligence to have schooling in a traffic “school” for an hour a day as part of the sentence. To make these drivers attend the casualty ward and mortuary at least once. Drivers convicted of negligence to have a distinguishing mark on their cafs. V }■

finally,, provision to be made in the law for drivers in .exceptionally serious cases, not to be given option of a fine, but to be forced, however prominent their social standing may be, to serve their sentences bn Saturday afternoons and Sundays. The board is in favour of adopting a strong attitude to discourage “road hogs" and careless drivers. > Further points discussed include: Endorsement of driver's licence for every dangerous offence on conviction. Heavy fines for negligence in accidents or where accidents have been narrowly averted. The appointment of special traffic magistrates and courts, and the support of the Supreme Court for heavy magisterial sentences. ■: : ‘ v" “’V Compulsory insurance of all vehicles

before rzcensing, or provision' lo increase licensing fees so that they will include insurance premium. Thole drivers whose insurance is not accepted by insurance coriipanies not to be allowed to drive. ! ' J Compulsory inspection of all vehicles'before a licence issued each year. Each car to have a certificate of fitness. Sale of “junk” cars to be restricted. Strict prosecution of all cyclists not possessing reflex or proper lights apd the restriction of use of torches by cyclists as Cycle lights. The re-examina-tion of drivers, for drivers’ licences every five years. ', ~, ~1 , . ,