FATIGUE AT THE WHEEL
Great Risk of Drowsing “When the Minister for Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) made reference recently to the fact that many drivers undertook long journeys at the end of a day’s work over the Christmas period, he was referring to the risk of fatigue at the wheel, one of the real dangers of motoring,” says the latest safety message of the Automobile Association, Canterbury. “Fatigue at the wheel is not an uncommon cause of accidents, and since no one .is a better judge of his own physical fitness than the driver himself, it is most important that the driver make nc error in his judgment, the consequence of which may be serious not only to himself , but to others on the road. “While there are plenty of causes leading to fatigue or dozing at the wheel it is nothing short of negligence for any motorist to take risks in driving in that condition. Indigestion, and, carbon-monoxide are two causes of acondition of fatigue apart from a host of other causes.
“To finish a day’s work and set out on a long motor-run, unless one is in a perfect condition of health, is to take a chance of drowsing at the wheel. An excellent road, a silently-running engine, and ill-arranged ventilation of the car are factors which readily induce sleepiness. That condition is difficult to combat unless one ensures proper ventilation, and at the first suggestion of drowsiness, stops the car, alights and takes the antidote of a few minutes’ walk in the fresh air.
“Modem road travel is so fast that the conditions are such that no chance can be taken with what might happen in a fleeting second or two when, through dozing, a driver’s concentration on the safe progress of his vehicle might be interrupted. “Never drive unless your physical condition is right; never undertake a long tour, even to please your friends, if you are tired. There is nothing clever in marathon driving; there may be something tragic in it. Marathon driving or special touring stunts require special training. Never take .the slightest chance of being overtaken by fatigue at the driving wheel.”
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ST19370213.2.116.6
Bibliographic details
Southland Times, Issue 23123, 13 February 1937, Page 14
Word Count
360FATIGUE AT THE WHEEL Southland Times, Issue 23123, 13 February 1937, Page 14
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