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Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20483, 8 December 1934, Page 17

Most Essential Factor for Safety.

“ The development of proper road judgment is a most essential factor in road safety; the taking of risks cannot be too strongly and insistently deprecated,” says the latest safety first message of the Automobile Association of Canterbury.

“ Because road surfaces have been improved where paving is employed, because traffic is more dense than it was a few years ago. and because the modern motor vehicle is very much quicker in acceleration the risks on the highway have increased for those who arc foolish enough to take risks. “One phase of risk taking is in the passing of other cars travelling in the same direction. This is a matter which calls for great gare and good judgment. When in doubt do not attempt to pass, don’t presume; never take chances. If the car you are overtaking accelerates as you pass, or the oncoming traffic speeds up after you have made up your mind to pass, your margin of safety will be cut down considerably. “ Although most motorists have become accustomed to the higher cruising speeds of modern cars, more efficient brakes, and ■more rapid acceleration, many drivers still seem to assume that approaching traffic is never exceeding a slow pace, and attempt to ‘ cut in ' in circumstances which are rendered safe only by the alertness, instant action and better judgment of other drivers on the road. “It is only by the exercise of the greatest care and judgment that accidents can be avoided. Be on the alert always and never take risks.”