MOTORING NOTES.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 18244, 18 July 1931, Page 2

MOTORING NOTES.

CARE OF THE BRAKES". Danger in Non-Efficiency. WHEN TO SOUND THE HORN. HINT REGARDING DOGS. Every motor vehicle, other than a trailer or motor-cycle, shall be equipped with, two independent brakes attached thereto, one being a foot-brake and the other a handbrake. Each of the brakes shall be suitable for all needs of traffic on used grades, and of such efficiency that the application of either will, without assistance from the compression of the engine, cause all the road wheels, other than the steering wheels, to be (prevented from revolving when the brake is applied. Every motor-cycle shall be equipped with at least one brake attached thereto, which shall act upon the rear wheel of the motor-cycle and be suitable for all needs of traffic, and be of such efficiency that its application will prevent suqh rear wheel from revolving. , When a side-car is attached another brake of reasonable efficiency is* required. Each brake shall be capable of easy adjustment, and shall be maintained at all times in good.working order. It is an offence for any person to operate any motor vehicle not equipped with a brake or brakes- as required by the regulations. It is a positive danger to drive a car without efficient brakes. It is equally, as dangerous to rely too much on the efficiency of the brakes. Remember that, with brakes fully efficient, a ear travelling at 40 miles per hour it takes 50ft. or more to stop. Warning Instrumnets or Motor Horns. It is an offence to operate any motor vehicle without such vehicle having a warning device which is in good working order. Such a warning device shall only be used for, reasonable traffic needs, and shall not produce a shrieking, raucous or offensive 'noise. Remember that your horn is intended to be used as a warning and an indication, if needed, of your presence on the road; it should not be used as a threat. Sound your horn when approaching a danger point or when about to overtake, unless you are satisfied that such a precaution is unnecessary. Do not take it for granted that your warning has been heard: in no circumstances can the sounding of a horn excuse a driver from taking every other precaution to avoid tan accident. Motor horns should not be used unnecessarily, and always with consideration for others, and especially for those in charge of animals. They should never be used to show annoyance or impatience. Dogs.. Drivers of motor vehicles should not encourage dogs to follow and run with the motor vehicle. A dog running loose in traffic is a danger to itself and t« everyone else. General. Bear in mind the difficulties of others, and try not to add to them.