SAFETY FIRST.

Southland Times, Issue 19157, 29 January 1924, Page 4

SAFETY FIRST.

Most motorists who visit or pass through Riverton are aware of the dangers attending the use of the narrow roadways of the township on the southern side of the Aparima, and they scrupulously observe the traffic directions which aim at securing on some roads traffic in one direction. During the last month, however, there have been several narrow escapes from serious accident, due to the carelessness of motor-drivers who, scorning these regulations, risk not only their own lives, but the lives of others. Unfortunately the Southland Motor Association, which is keen to see that the traffic regulations are obeyed by all motorists, is powerless in this matter, but it looks as if the Riverton Borough Council may take effective action if it can catch some of these road hogs and make an example of them. Motorists who go spinning along these roads at high speed, and in the wrong direction, are deserving of no consideration. They should be punished severely because they are endangering those drivers who observe the common decencies of the road. The local authority’s responsibilities do not end with the adoption of regulations. “Safety first” is an excellent watchword for the road, but unfortunately idiots are permitted to drive motor-cars and for them these sane rules do not exist. It should be possible to bring these dangerous "drivers to book before a serious mishap occurs.