The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1899-12-01
LAW OF THE ROAD.
Need Of Observing It In
Honolulu.
In Force Elsewhere Dangers Arts
ing - AS Viewed by gicyciist,
Hickman and Fam ly Man.

road is established by custom and the
rules OF travel are quite we'll under
stood by those who use the public
highways. In most cities the law of
the road is enforced by the police Lo-
cal prescription and custom have long
since become the basis of legal decis-
ions where disputes arise; and in
many places, especially in the United
States, long standing customs have
been codified and are in use.
Formerly it made little difference
how or where one drove in Honolulu.
but of late years, and especially since
annexation, it makes a great differ
ence; and at the present time the
streets of Honolulu are always unsafe.
and at night really dangerous. Driv-
ing upon the wrong side of the road
is very general here; they all do it
Japs, Cinnamon, hackmen trucKmen
and private citizens. The bicyclists
are also offenders in this regard. as are
many ladies in Honolulu who drive
horses.
The law which would correct this
evil is very simple. and is easily OBJ
served, viz: Drive upon the right half.
OF the roadway and when meeting a
vehicle turn to the right This rule
should also be observed in turning
corners where so many accidents hap
pen.
But in Honolulu where nobody OBJ
serves the law of the road each class
blames the other for breaches which
cause much annoyance or result in ac-
cidents. The bicyclists declare that
every body takes especial pains 10
force them off their legitimate half OF
the road while the drivers Of vehicles
complain that the bicyclists are con-
tinually and unexpectedly bobbing up
under their horses noses hunting for
accidents and damage suits.
What I object to most of all" said
a gentleman who drives his own
horse, lis the habit of leaving string
y
row streets so that a vehicle cannot
drive within two or three feet of the
position it should occupy when wait
ing. The vehicle is thereby obliged to
take up quite a third of the street and
is in danger of collision until it moves
on. This, | think the most serious
fault OF the bicyclists; on the streets
| believe they are somewhat imposed
upon both by pedestrians and drivers"
In answer to an inquiry skillful
wheelman said: Yes, / know there
is a general kick ali around, which, I
believe, would speedily be abolished if
the police authorities would enforce
the ordinary rules of the road within
the limits of Honolulu. The present
inconvenient and dangerous customs |
believe are largely due to ignorance
and could be changed, if the police
would set the example and insist on
all persons, driving within the city
limits, observing a few simple rules.
AS far as l am personally concerned |
do not care much, as l am quite able
10 take care of myself on wheel, even
when | meet a lady driving; but at the
same time the streets of the business
portion of the city are quite task,
# not dangerous, to the young bicy-
elist and the beginner"
Well" said an ola hackman, I'VE
lont care much and we generally get
the right of way if we want it; if we
don't get it we generally take it. OF
course we consider bicyclists and lady
drivers COMPOUNDED nuisances, but
everybody does that. O, yes, if the
aw of the road was enforced it would
be more convenient all around, but
what can you do when everybody does
vrong?"
family man said: Il think the es-
adjustment of the law of the road has
become a necessity for Honolulu. Why, |
t has got so bad during the last two
Or three years that it is absolutely I'M
safe to trust your wife and little ones
alone on the streets of Honolulu no |
matter how gentle and trustworthy |
your horse may be. Everybody who |
an afford it ought to have a good driv- |
IF for his family vehicle, otherwise |
hey are not safe. l believe a large |
portion of the danger has come from |
licensing so many incapable Japanese |
md Chinese drivers; they are a con-
tant menace upon our streets. The |
Dicyclists think are in most cases I'M
but it is the poor and
needless driving that most threatens
he peace of our streets. I believe that
Ules of the road should be laid down
nd enforced
a lady driver gave her side of the
ase as follows: Now it is this way.
verybody seems to get in my way on
urpose; but then, you see, I'm a pref
Y good driver, better than most men.
nd 7 can generally get around +barn