The nationwide contest spurs direct action in cities to insure greater pedestrian safety. The results are obvious; fatalities are declining despite growing motor vehicle registration. Before the contest began in 1939, as many as 15,500 pedestrians were killed a year, compared with the 7,900 killed in 1954.
SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES
Three-lane highways have a reputation as accident breeders—the middle lane often being referred to as the no-man’s land of the open road.
When using the middle lane of a three-lane highway for passing or turning during daylight hours, a sound driving technique is to turn on your headlights.
The lights serve as a warning to oncoming motorists not only that the middle lane is in use but also, and more important, that your car is approaching them in the middle lane.
Many motorists are confused by the general appearance of modern automobiles; and instances have actually occurred where drivers thought the other car in the middle lane was going in the same direction they were, until it was too late to avoid an accident.
There is no law requiring drivers to turn on their headlights under these circumstances, so don’t depend upon other drivers to have their lights on if they are in the middle lane. If yours are on, you are not only being courteous to other drivers, but also protecting yourself by alerting them to the fact that the middle lane is occupied by an approaching car. Also, remember to turn off your lights as you pull out of the middle lane.
Curves AND Crossroads
Sign at entrance to a crossroads town: “Gas killed 3,029 people in this state last year—2 inhaled it; 27 put a match to it; 3,000 stepped on it.”
The difference between a straight-eight and the V-eight is just a matter of whether you like your troubles strung out down the line or all in one place.