HALTING ON BENDS

Opunake Times, 30 June 1939, Page 4

HALTING ON BENDS

DANGEROUS PRACTICE Halting motor vehicle? on bends or close to corners is a not uncommon fault of motorists, and one which is a prolific cause of danger.

There have been many instances noted recently of drivers halting right on a bend or just around a bend. Surely it does not need much thought to appreciate that ears so parked cause trouble for passing traffic, especially where the roads are narrow. Of course, the safe driver will pro ceed anywhere at such a speed that will allow him to halt in half the distance of clear road ahead, but that is not the point. No driver should so act in stopping his vehicle that he causes trouble for other traffic, but that is exactly what he does when he halts on or round! a bend.

On some hill roads, narrow, and with acuta bends, it is wrong of motorists to halt except in case of breakdown, even then it is a thoughtful act to take steps to warn approatehing traffic.

There is no excuse for the action of many drivers in stojjping in the actual roadway where the roadside permits of pulling to the side, perhaps on to grass. If tyro trouble develops, or some mechanical fault is apparent, the driver usually has enough way on to get to the extreme left of usable road, or on to the grass at the side.

There have been many instances of people being injured while engaged in remedying faults in cars halted in the roadway at night time. There is a chance that a tail-light may be obscured by someone. Even in the day-time

heed must bo given to passing traffic

by people working about a parked car. Get as far off the road as practicable when, stopping a motor vehicle. Don’t bo a cause of danger to others. Think before you stop.