HIGH SPEED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23202, 28 May 1937, Page 12

HIGH SPEED

CAUSE OF FATALITIES CHANGE IN CAR DESIGN URGED "A change in the power and design of cars, to protect the reckless motorist against his own folly, appears to hold out the only possible hope of solution," says the report of the Accident Prevention Conference of the United States Department of Commerce. A study of the 36,575 motor fatalities which occurred in the United States in 1936 reveals that the outstanding cause of death was high speed, the report states. The majority of the deaths occurred in rural areas. In stating this conclusion, the report, a copy of which has been received by the New South Wales Deputy Commissioner of Transport (Mr Neale), adds: " In some sections, liquor was a factor, but it is only fair to state that there is no evidence of drunken driving being materially on the increase.

"What is happening," the report continues, "is that cars are being driven at night in rural sections too fast for lighting conditions. The average car to-day is capable of a speed of from 70 to 100 miles an hour, and speeds of from 60 to 80 miles an hour are not uncommon in rural night driving. These are unsafe speeds, and are the causes of most rural night fatalities."

ENGINEERING CHANGES URGED The conference urges the automotive industry to take united action to eliminate "outstanding accident hazards."

"We feel," It adds, "that automotive executives will recognise that a correction originating within the industry, and voluntarily put into effect, will receive general approval, just as we are certain that the industry is conscious of the fact that public opinion is being increasingly wrought up over the large numbers of high-speed fatalities, and demands action. " We believe such voluntary action will be more effective than compulsory action from other sources, which a growingly impatient public would demand." " CARELESSNESS OF PEDESTRIANS "

After stating that the greater number of city accidents are due.to " the carelessness of the pedestrians," the report adds: "Compulsory and regular inspection of cars, as well as the compulsory junking of dangerous, worn-out cars, would add to the general safety." "Many authorities contend, however, and apparently with evidence to support their contentions, that old, but sound, cars, unable to make high speeds, are less likely to become involved in accidents than the new cars, with their many temptations to go fast"