MOTOR MANNERS
Things which Motoristes should and should not do when out in their
Car--Laws governing the Highways--Pedestrians have the Right of
Way--Points and Times at which to drive slowly--Corners and the
Danger of cutting them--When to sound the Hooter--The “Courtesy of
the Road”
It is, of course, quite unnecessary to teach the well-bred woman
manners. The well-bred woman, with her innate courtesy and
unselfishness, should she take up motoring, no doubt would act as all
motoristes should act when at the wheel of their car or out on the road.
So that while I have headed this chapter “Motor Manners” I desire merely
to bring to the notice of readers, as prominently as possible, those
things which they should do and those which they should not do when out
in their cars. I can safely give this advice, for personal experience
has been my teacher. For want of a better term I call these warnings
and suggestions “Manners.”
If every woman and man who drove a car followed these suggestions there
would not be an outcry against the motor-car. Unfortunately the great
majority of motorists have to suffer for other people’s faults--the
disgraceful driving of the few.
The laws now governing motoring have increased largely in the last few
years and will probably continue in the making. I will not go into these
various laws except to point out that because a person owns a motor-car
the ownership of the roads is not necessarily included.
Pedestrians, according to the law, practically own the highways, not to
the exclusion of other traffic, but judgments in recent cases declare
that it lies with drivers to keep clear of pedestrians and that all
persons have a right to walk on the highways at their own pace, whether
paralytics or cripples. Dogs, chickens and other domestic animals at
large on the highway are not pedestrians, and if one is driving at a
regulation speed, or under, one is not responsible for their untimely
end.
It is, therefore, especially advisable to drive slowly through all towns
and villages. Drive slowly past all school-houses.
Always pass vehicles and bicycles on the proper side, and pass large
vans, ’buses and electric tramcars very carefully, as some one may be
crossing the road and suddenly appear from behind.
Drive slowly past any one driving or riding a restive horse and, if
necessary, especially if it should be a lady or child riding or driving,
stop the engine. This is an act of courtesy that will always be
appreciated and may prevent a bad accident.
If the road is wet, give pedestrians and cyclists a wide berth so as not
to splash them with mud.
Again, if the road is wet, you may be safe enough on account of your car
being fitted with non-skid tyres, but in this respect the cyclist is
perhaps not so fortunate. He may have a side-slip and fall perilously
near your car wheels. For this reason, too, give cyclists plenty of
room.
Do not fail to sound the hooter and slacken speed when coming to a
cross-road, side-turning or bend. Many accidents may be averted by
taking this precaution.
Never take a sharp corner at full speed. A walking pace would be much
better.
Never pass or try to overtake a pedestrian, cyclist or vehicle at a
corner.
Avoid the bad and perilous habit of trying to squeeze through doubtful
openings in traffic either in town or country.
Never drive the engine downhill.
Do not leave the engine running when stopping outside a house. The
noise, though it may be slight, may be annoying to the inmates or
neighbours.
If you have a syren fitted to your car, do not sound it in a town or
village. A syren is really only necessary for Continental driving.
Remember that mail-vans have the “right of way,” and that ordinary
traffic is supposed to give way to them.
A hooter is meant to give warning, not to startle people or wake up
sleeping inmates in
[Illustration:
_Photo. H. W. Nicholls._
FIRST ADVANCE THE SPARK AND GIVE MORE AIR]
their houses at all hours. Do not sound your horn oftener than
absolutely necessary.
Remember, however, that it is necessary to sound the hooter when coming
up behind and intending to pass a pedestrian or a vehicle. But do not
wait until you are within a few feet of a pedestrian or cyclist who is
already doing his utmost to get out of your way and then sound your
hooter. If the cyclist be a novice or at all nervous such conduct might
cause an accident.
Keep within the legal limit of speed all the time except on a good and
clear stretch of road, where there happen to be no “blind” corners or
dangerous cross-roads or traffic. Then there is no real harm done to any
one in trying to see what you can get out of your car for a short spurt.
I cannot give you any special advice on the dust nuisance, but if you
follow my suggestions, as already given, you will cause the public as
little inconvenience from dust as is in your power.
There is a little thing I specially want to warn motoristes against, and
that is taking corners on the wrong side of the road. Ordinarily you
would not think of doing so. But wait until you come to a few corners
which you can see well around. There is nothing in sight and so you skim
the curb for the fun of it.
But do not keep on cutting corners--sooner or later it will become a
habit and be done without thinking. Then comes the possibility of
another car, a vehicle of sorts, a motorcycle or, worst of all, a cycle
with a woman or child pedalling. You may not lose your presence of mind,
but how about the cyclist? Don’t cut corners on the wrong side of the
road and there will be no need to worry about the answer to my query.
That one can show a great deal of courtesy to other cars and to general
traffic on the road is assured, but that few people do is also a fact.
Here is a case worthy of attention. Every motoriste has or will
experience it. On the road in front of you is a covered car with noisy
engine. It is a landaulette or limousine which rattles more or less. The
noise of the engine is also magnified by being closed in. The car is
taking up the best part of the road
[Illustration:
_Photo H. W. Nicholls._
THE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION SCOUTS WILL, IF NECESSARY, STOP YOUR CAR ON
THE ROAD AND GIVE YOU INFORMATION]
and though you are anxious to pass it you cannot, because of the noise,
attract the attention of the chauffeur and get him to draw out enough
for you to make a safe pass. It is very annoying and may go on for some
time.
See to it, therefore, if you have a closed-in car, that there is a
mirror attached to the dash-board so that the chauffeur can see what is
behind him and instruct him also to keep a watch, from time to time, for
coming-up cars so that you can extend to them the courtesy of the road.
One other matter may be included in “Motor Manners” and that is, leaving
the car on the road or in the street unattended. In the first place the
law says that you cannot leave your car unattended whether the engine is
running or not. It is within the discretion of the police to summons
you. They, however, do not interfere unless the engine is running
noisily and the exhaust is smoking.
But in leaving one’s car unattended on the road or street, care should
be taken, as an act of courtesy to general traffic and pedestrians, that
the car does not block the way. If on the curb in town, and it be
possible, leave it on a side-street or, if in front of house or shop,
give other people a chance to drive up to the front door. At the same
time do not stand your car deliberately in front of some one else’s
house instead of your own or your friend’s, if you are visiting.
[Illustration:
_Photo. H. W. Nicholls_
THE ENGINE WILL START EASILY If YOU FIRST FLOOD THE CARBURETTOR
SLIGHTLY]