The Waikato Independent Incorporating "The Cambridge Gazette." THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1924. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 3225, 29 May 1924, Page 4

The Waikato Independent Incorporating "The Cambridge Gazette." THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1924. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Motor Accidents. With the steady increase, of motor traffic throughout the country, the number of accidents and fatalities arising therefrom is becoming unpleasantly large—so much, so as to cause co»sidcrable alarm. Scarcely a day passes but what some serious motor mishap, in

many cases willi fatal results, is reported in the newspapers. Without a doubt motors have come to stay. Their number is increasing very rapidly, and certainly will continue to do so. Thus it would seem essential that far more rigorous precautions were taken to prevent unnecessary accidents. It is becoming more and more apparent that there are many people driving motors through the country who are unfit to have control of same. Some of the drivers are incapable, others are grossly careless. It is no uncommon thing to see men driving cars while under the influence pi liquor, and while such carelessness is exhibited accidents will, continue to occur. It is pleasing to find that some of the Magistrates are resolved to take drastic steps with offenders, in order to help minimise the risk occasioned by such actions. Mr Barton, S.M. at Wanganui, some little time ago announced his intention of sending to gaol any who were convicted of driving cars while drunk, in view of the grave danger to the community. Mr Barton has followed up this announcement by prompt action. On Monday last a farmer was arraigned before the Magistrate at Wanganui, charged with being drunk while in charge of a motor car. The offender was sent to gaol for fourteen days, without the option of a fine. If other Magistrates would take similar drastic steps, one source of many of our motor accidents and fatalities would be speedily reduced to a minimum. We commend Mr Barton’s action, and trust that this salutary sentence will have the desired effect.

Stop! Look! Listen! ' Another fruitful source of accidents is the failure of motor drivers to observe a reasonable amount of care in negotiating corners or passing over crossings. The number of railway crossing accidents occurring in this country is really alarming, and in the great majority of cases these would have been averted if only the most reasonable amount of caution had been exhibited by the drivers. It is not too much to say that crossing accidents are increasing throughout this land and aro almost entirely duo to the utter disregard of warning signs, and to the carelessness of • automobile ' drivers. Carelessness kills more people than any other thing. The following has boon clipped from the “Judgments, Orders, Regulations and Rulings of the Board of Railway Commissioners for Canada”: —“In many cases accidents at highway crossings are due to the negligence of those .driving cars and other vehicles, and of pedestrians. This negligence is found both at unprotected and protected crossings. The Canadian Pacific Lines, from January 8 to December 1, 1923, reports 55 cases where there was danger lit protected crossings due to the negligence of those using the crossings. The Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo lines, from June 6 to November 18, shows eight cases. Notwithstanding safety devices and cautionary signals, people take chances and disregard safety. Motor accidents are becoming more frequent. Every sane motorist deplores this. If accidents arc to be lessened, the same motorist must educate the culpably negligent motorists, some of whose actions are recorded in the following list.” The above, we think, applies equally to New Zealand. Commenting on this matter, the “Ford News” in the blunt, but expressive American way says: “Are you careless? If you have done any of these careless things in the past, start right now and resolve to stop, look and listen at crossings. It is the best and safest plan!”