APPEAL TO MOTORISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18895, 18 December 1924, Page 9

APPEAL TO MOTORISTS.

Sir, —This is a timely season for a few words of warning to motorists in general. Within a few days the streets and. roads for some time will bo crowded with holiday makers, especially children, hence road traffic will bo accompanied by additional dangers. The majority of motorists when driving have their cars under complete control and are content with a moderate' speed and keep a keen look out. Accidents are rarely caused by this class. From mv own careful observation, about 25 per cent, of drivers form the class whiqh furnish tho deplorable accidents which take place. This class, can be subdivided as follows:— (a) Those who drive at high speed, take chances, and trust to luck that others may not get in their way. (b) Drivers who seem to ignore tho probability of traffic debouching on tho main road front tho side roads and no warning honk when approaching crossroads. (c) Those who are more or less stupefied with alcohol. If the above class of drivers could have one look at a family which has been bereaved by a motor accident, then I am Mire they would be so saddened and impressed by the desolation and grief and broken hearts caused by reckless, careless or inefficient drivers, that wouui cease to bo among these classes ot offenders, and would speedily mend their ways. I earnestly appeal to all motorists to knock off a few miles per hour, especially during (Hp Christmas holidays, and to take as few risk's as possible; to realise that pedestrians have certain rights to tho roads and that the thoughtlessness of the pedestrian, both children and adults, must be allowed for and watched for. When possible, the registered numbers of reckless motorists should be taken and reported to the police. T would appeal to all heads ot schools, before the holidays, to warn the scholars as to their conduct on the roads and instruct them as to some of the rules of traffic. With hearty "safety first" wishes to all motorists from a mere Fordist for a saia holiday season. H. Mason.