MOTORIST FINED.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1434, 1 December 1923, Page 4

MOTORIST FINED.

THE LEYEL iCROSSOW MENACE.

PROSECUTION BY RAILWAY DEPARTMENT.

(By Telegraph. Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Friday With the express purpose of nialak it known to motorists that they Brast observe the by-laws, and the ordinary rules of common sense, the Railway Department had decided to institute a series of prosecutions against drivers who crossed in front of oncoming trains, said Mr Meredith in the Police Court this morning, in presenting on behalf of the Crown a number of cases in which motorists were charged with this class of offence.

The Railway Department had done everything possible to make level crossings safe for motorists, continued Mr Meredith. Bells had been placed at dangerous ' points, and barriers at others, while flagmen were stationed at busy centres. But there was a class of motorist who refused to obey any signal, or to take any precaution. Regardless of risk of life and limb, motorists would cross in front of an oncoming train rather than be detained for a minute or so, and it was in an endeavour to correct this impulse that the Railway Department had decided to take action against all offenders who detected. .In addition to the unnecessary risks to which the motorists exposed themselves and their passengers, this habit of crossing after a warning had been given resulted in an extra strain being placed on the engine drivers, who had to be constantly on the look-out for irresponsible persons who might lay themselves open to death or injury. An interesting article in the "New, Zealand Science Journal" was referred to by Mr J. W. Poynton, S.M. This article, said his Worship, dealt with statistics concerning the number of deaths in the United States. Of 12,000 persons killed in level crossing accidents in;one year, one-fourth had met their death by running into the side of a train. This disclosed an interesting fact—that some drivers were not capable of doing two things at once. They could not drive and at the same time keep a look-out for an approaching vehicle or train. His Worship thought there should be some sort of psychological test applied to applicants for licenses in order to ascertain if they were comI petent to drive with reasonable care in such circumstances.

A love of speed, and the impatience of many drivers, who would rather take any risk- than experience the slightest delay, were thought by Mr Meredith to be the main cause of the trouble.

William Little (Mr J. J. Sullivan) pleaded not guilty when charged with crossing in front of train at Southdown. The engine driver and fireman deposed to having taken the number of defendant's motor lorry when it crossed 50 yards ahead, after the whistle had been sounded. The defence was that defendant had not crossed the line at the tifaie mentioned.

Little was fined £2, with 13s expenses, witnesses' expenses £l, and solicitor's fee £3 3s. One month was allowed in which to pay. Benjamin Deeley (Mr Dickson) and H. M. Cardon were each mulcted in a like sum for having driven oyer in front of oncoming trains.