ERRING DRIVERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22722, 7 May 1937, Page 10

ERRING DRIVERS

THE NEW DISCIPLINE "SCHOOL" CURRICULUM MINISTER'S PROPOSALS ASSISTANCE FOR COURT [BY TELECIIAPH —PHESS ASSOCIATION"] WELLINGTON, Thursday A syllabus of instruction for motorists | placed on probation for motoring breaches of the law was suggested by the .Minister of Transport, Hon. R. Semple, when referring in an interview to-night to the suggestion of Mr. E. 1). Mosley, S.M.. that certain offenders convicted under the motor legislation be given compulsory tuition while on probation. The course would involve practical and theoretical instruction in the control of a motor vehicle, intensive instruction in motor legislation and regulations, and instruction in the road code. "1 had this matter under consideration when it was first mentioned by Mr. Mosley," said the Minister, ''and now the whole question has been investigated. I entirely agree with his proposals. Every avenue must be explored to reduce accidents and educate the motoring public. As Educative as Possible "Mr, Mosley very wisely qualified his suggestion by emphasising the necessity of appointing only special men to instruct those probationers. The course of instruction should be as educative as possible. It should also provide for special instruction according to the temperament of the individual. "We all know the very nice young fellow who is quite all right in every other respect, but who must get every ounce out of his motor every time he drives it. He should receive special instruction designed to cure that tendency. "Should any probationer be later convicted of a similar offence, I am confident the Courts will deal with that person in an appropriate manner. "I suggest the following as a general outline of the course of instruction which should be followed: Practice and Theory "(1) Practical and theoretical instruction in the control of a motor vehicle, with particular emphasis on the minimum stopping distances at various speeds. Accidents happen in a fraction of a second, and all drivers should be conversant with the number of feet a second their vehicle travels at various speeds. The probationer should be required to furnish the vehicle necessary for this instruction.

"(2) Intensive instruction in motor legislation and regulations, again emphasising the three cardinal rules of safe driving, namely: Keep to the left at all times; comply with the off-side rule; and never travel at a greater speed than will enable you to stop, within half your clear visible distance ahead. "(3) Instruction in the road code and those fine points in road courtesy which are the hallmark of the really considerate driver. Deciding the Course "While it is very necessary for the Courts to . stipulate the minimum period of instruction," added the Minister, "I venture to suggest that the actual course of instruction be decided upon between the probation officer and a traffic officer, having regard always to the progress made by the probationer. The scheme has such far-reaching potentialities for the improvement of motoring that I am particularly anxious that it be inaugurated under the most favourable conditions. "The resources of my department are available to the Courts and my officers will keep in close touch with the Courts and will give effect to the valuable suggestions which they will no doubt receive from time to time from magistrates."