FAILURE TO GIVE SIGNALS

Southland Times, Issue 22969, 15 August 1936, Page 19

FAILURE TO GIVE SIGNALS

A Growing Practice “The other day the Minister for Transport in dealing with road dangers mentioned particularly the growing practice among motorists, especially in parked cars, of failing to give hand signals, and the practice of unnecessary passing of other vehicles on the roads,” says the latest safety first message of the Automobile Association (Canterbury). “Unfortunately, the Minister’s observations are only too true. There is a tendency among drivers of cars parked or halted by the roadside to neglect to give any form of warning either by horn, hand, or mechanical direction indicator to passing or overtaking traffic. Rather there is a tendency to drive straight out into the stream of traffic or to edge out slowly, thus placing unfairly the responsibility on the overtaking or passing vehicle driver. In the daytime, of course, even if the drivers are alert, as they should be, the risk of accident is great enough, but after nightfall, particularly if it is raining and the windscreen is obscured by raindrops, the chance of accident is stronger. “No driver should think of emerging from a parking or halting place until the way is absolutely clear, nor until proper hand signals are given as a warning. And the giving of signals is no excuse for any sudden manoeuvre likely to prejudice the safety of overtaking or passing traffic.

“The Minister’s reference to unnecessary passing of other vehicles is timely, also. Far too many motorists travelling at a considerable speed seem to think it the correct thing to be in front of everything on the road. That spirit is likely to lead to trouble, as the racing idea is easily engendered. “In the towns and cities many drivers take dangerous chances in passing other traffic. This risk-taking may save only a few minutes which are promptly lost at the first stop through traffic lights or a halted tram. “Motorists should travel always at a safe speed, and possess enough poise or driving judgment to let the other fellow be first if he wants to. Hand signals and a safe speed at all times are imperative to safety on the road.”