MOTORING NOTES

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIX, Issue 3100, 20 June 1929, Page 7

MOTORING NOTES

SIGNALLING DIFFICULTIES. It may not be very long before it becomes compulsory in England for motorists to carry some sort of automatic signalling device to let other road users know their intentions. This subject has no doubt .been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Transport by the careless manner in which a great many ear owners give signals, and particularly drivers of saloon cars. In an open car hand signalling, if done properly, should be visible to all other drivers and road users; but in the case of a closed car, particularly in bad weather, some form of mechanical signalling seems essential, as people will not open the window alongside the driving, seat, with the result that no signalling is done at all, and some accidents are undoubtedly caused in this way.

Another point about signalling is that it must be done before the action that it is meant to announce is taken. When going to turn to the right suddenly it is no use putting your hand out as you turn. The hand should go out when "the driver is at least 20 yards from the point where the turn is to be made, so that other drivers behind can tell what you are going to do. Many motorists get unintentionally lazy in the way they give signals. A signal, to be of any use, must be clearly visible to those behind, but some people put their hands out so lazily that it is practically impossible to understand what they intend to do. The question of automatic signalling devices is, of course, a very difficult one. There are many excellent types on the market at the present time, but the chief difficulty is that, like all things mechanical, they are liable to go wrong, and when fail many motorists do not take the trouble to have them put right. Imagination in Driving.

Imagination has a great deal to <3o with the art of driving. Where this faculty is developed and brought into habitual play so that its exercise is almost unconscious, "safety first" will also be observed. For example, no driver with any mental vision will overtake another vehicle on a corner unless he can see clearly that the way is free, not only up to the turn or bend, but| beyond it. This,.of course, is only poa- j sible where the road is open or where there is a,very low hedge or wall. The careless or, unimaginative driver, depending only on physical vision, will pass or attempt to pass on a corner. Thegood driver—and to be good he must