HOLIDAY MOTOR TRAFFIC

Southland Times, Issue 23389, 22 December 1937, Page 6

HOLIDAY MOTOR TRAFFIC

Observance Of Rules

Counselled

APPEAL FOR COURTESY AND CARE An appeal for motorists to observe traffic rules and courtesies for the assistance of other users of the road during the Christmas and New Year holidays has been issued by the president of the Automobile Association (Southland) (Mr D. J. Wesney). “During the coming holidays and because of the indications that the highways will be more crowded this year than ever before, the Automobile Association (Southland) is issuing a special appeal to all motorists on road safety. The Automobile Association asks motorists to make their first care that of consideration for others. _ “A driver must share the highway with any number of others who may be using it. Each driver has first right to certain portions of the roadway at certain times, but he has no right to other portions of the roadway—portions which at certain times and under certain circumstances belong exclusively to other drivers or to pedestrians. It is the obligation of every driver to understand this principle of sharing and to know the rules for sharing the highway. One point which would do much to eliminate risk would be to make certain of signalling to a driver behind who has intimated his desire to pass, and pulling off the road a little to give him space. There are many Such points. Use courtesy all the time. If motorists are shown some discourtesy, taking reprisals will not get them anywhere.

“Co-operation is also asked about litter in camping places. If every motorist remembers that his camping place is likely to be occupied when he leaves by another camping party, and disposes of all waste foodstuffs, empty tins and other, rubbish, a lot of unpleasantness and also the risk of disease will be avoided. “Bearing in mind the needless loss of life which occurred during the Christmas holidays last year, the Automobile Association reiterates its request for especial care* by all motorists, to ensure that this province at any rate does not give cause for concern in connection with road accident figures.” DANGER OF FIRES Emphasizing the risk of danger involved when campers light fires in bush areas, the Conservator of Forests in Southland (Mr N. J. Dolamore) has forwarded the following letter to the secretary of the Automobile Association (Southland): — “Because of the exceptionally dry conditions of most forest areas at the present time, I should be glad if you would impress upon any of your members who may contemplate picnic and camping trips, the necessity for exercising more than usual care to see that all fires are extinguished before they are left and that matches and cigarette butts are not carelessly thrown near inflammable material. There have already’ been disastrous fires in parts of the North Island and this service is most anxious to guard against any similar occurrence in the south. “In view of the improved conditions of the roads, it is anticipated that many of your members will penetrate further than usual into forest areas. At Piano Flat, north of Waikaia, the metalling of the road has now been completed well into the bush And a patrolman has been appointed who has authority to divert campers from situations which are considered unsafe and to prevent the lighting of fires where they may by any chance constitute a danger to the forest. At Haldane, Waikawa and Chaslands and in the western districts of Southland, roads have been improved and the bush is much drier than usual.

“I am sure that I can rely upon the co-operation of all members of your association with officers and patrolmen of this service in safeguarding the forests from damage by fire or other forms of vandalism. Reports upon any fires which may occur will be greatly appreciated.”