TRAFFIC CONTROL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 22

TRAFFIC CONTROL

METHODS IN AMERICA NEW ZEALANDER IMPRESSED DRIVING SKILL AND COURTESY Tributes to the excellence of traffic control in the United States were paid by Mr. W. A. O'Callaghan, of Hawera, president of the North Island Motor Union, who returned by the Mariposa yesterday after a visit to America. Mr. and Mrs. O'Callaghan spent about four months in the United States, and travelled extensively. • "I was very much impressed with the control of traffic, particularly in California, where there are 3,000,000 motor-cars." Mr. O'Callaghan said. "The highways are divided into lanes, marked by white lines, and fast traffic takes those nearer the centre of the road. In the cities, traffic control is by means ol lights', with automatic arm signals at all congested areas. Sometime* there is a traffic officer on duty as well." Swift acceleration and good brakes were essential 011 motor-cars used in heavy traffic in the United States, Mr. O'Callaghan .added. It was the usual thing to drive at up to 40 or 45 miles an,hour along a congested street, and pedestrians, as well as motorists, had to obey the lights. The standard of driving, skill, and also the courtesy of the average motorist, were particularly noteworthy. "Accidents are frequent, but tho numbe; i.< low compared with the enormous amount of traffic," ho said. "Mishaps are caused mostly through drivers leaving their proper line and cutting-iu. The authorities are very severe 011 the intoxicated motorist, who may be imprisoned; fined, or have his licence cancelled for a period."

Prompt measures were taken by the police after an accident, and if there was atiy doubt a driver was liable to find himself in gaol, Mr. O'Callaghan said. For this reason, many motorists had told him that they would not travel without their certificate of membership of the Automobile Association, tho production of which always inspired a certain respect in an awkward situation.

Petrol costs could be almost disregarded by the American motorists, as the most popular fuel cost only 18 cents a gallon, including 4 cents tax. in spite of this extremely low price, motorists were endeavouring to .have the tax reduced.