TAIL LIGHTS FOR WALKERS

Southland Times, Issue 23141, 6 March 1937, Page 12

TAIL LIGHTS FOR WALKERS

SUGGESTION BY J.P. .. PEDESTRIAN MENACE TO MOTORISTS (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, March 5. “At first sight this might appear to be a silly remit, but I assure you that anybody who drives on country roads at night will know that it is not,” said Mr A. J. Stratford, at the annual conference of the Federation of Justices of the Peace Association this morning, in bringing forward a proposal that pedestrians on country roads at night wear a red reflector or tail light. After considerable discussion, an amendment moved by Mr J. A. Valentine (Taranaki) that the attention of the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) be directed to the need of some definite means of protection for pedestrians on roads was carried. In moving the remit, Mr Stratford described his own ’experience when driving on country roads in the Auckland district. He declared that it was a positive nightmare, as pedestrians seemed to come from nowhere. A small reflector on the right sleeve, or a rear light, would be noticed by motorists, and the number of accidents would be reduced.

Mr E. Whitcombe (Manawatu) seconded the motion pro forma. He said it was impossible to expect all people to carry a badge behind them. The remedy was to restore the old rule of the footpath, which was to keep to the right. If that were done and applied to toads as well as footpaths, pedestrians on roads would face oncoming vehicular traffic, and would be able to get clear in time. He moved as an amendment that the Government be asked to restore the old rule of the footpath of keeping to the right. “We are only belittling ourselves in the eyes of the public,” said Mr H. F. Herbert (Canterbury). He said the only suggestion he could make was that the remit be referred to the fashion houses so that they could fix up women’s dresses with tail lights. The amendment was lost, and Mr Valentine then moved a further amendment that the attention of the Minister of Transport be directed to the need for protecting pedestrians. This was seconded by Mr A. Williams (Canterbury) and carried on the voices.