The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1913-03-14
WOMEN MOTORISTS.

Women motorists are increasing in
numbers; and this fact is said to be
stimulating manufacturers to build
cars with especial reference to femin-
inc abilities and limitations. Crank
ing up has heretofore certainly been
a mans work. When the self-start-
er has been perfected, however, as it
now promises to be, and becomes sim
pie, inexpensive and reliable, about
the last mechanical impeachment to a
woman's handling her own car will
be removed. Even now the clutch;
which used to require a mans muscu-
lar power to disengage, generally
needs only the strength which the av-
erage woman can easily exert, and
new devices make it possible for wo-
men to adjust tires. The Journal of
the American Medical Association dis
cusses this subject in a recent issue,
with special reference to the physical
effects in women of continued motor
ing.
Driving a motor car from April to
November should be a hea1thfu1 re-
creation, both physical and mental, for
many women, provided the exercise be
within reasonable limits and the car
a runabout or light roadster-one at
any rate, not too heavy for a woman
to handle. The weaker SEX are
naturally quick of eye and deft of
wrist, two qualifications, aside from
sufficient strength which are needed.
Women are in general more excitable
and of less steady judgment than men,
shortcomings which may prove disas-
trous in emergencies, or which might
render it advisable to confine motor
ing efforts to areas outside the crowd
ed portion of the larger cities. 1t
offers much pleasure and benefit, per-
haps, and may be INDUCED in when
the other forms of exercise or sport
are unavailable or unsuitable. Ration
al motoring affords opportunity for
plenty of fresh air, with improved
appetite and increased zest of life.
The ever-changing scenes may soothe
and satisfy the emotions, and hither-
to unfamiliar aspects of civilization
may interest and divert from intro
spection.
There is, however, quite a formid-
able array of troubles, nervous and
otherwise, which have been charged
against motoring, and which point to
the fact that the sport at best is
somewhat strenuous one for women.
The ailments for which the motor
car may be held responsible are due
almost entirely, however, to speeding
and to the fear of accidents which
might be engendered as the result of
this.
The 'fauto-eye'' is a spasm of the
ciliary muscles (Which govern accom-
modations for distances); to this those
VINO nave errors OF refract1On are
specially prone; speeding over an I'M
known country, through devious roads
the sight being constantly and rapid
ly attracted by objects now near and
now in the distance, makes an abnor-
NAL strain the visual mechanism.
Wind and dust, coupled with high
speed, induce any degree of conjunc-
ttval Inflammation, from a hyperemia
to a contagious lesion; the wearing
of goggles largely obviates this. Au-
to-leg is a cramp due to sitting in one
position for hours, while the veins and
muscles are under strain from consec-
utive shocks and joltings over bad
roads.
Nerve strain and nerve exhaustion,
followed by hysteria and neurasth enia
are not rare. especially among young
women who motor extensively. Such
attacks come on relaxation after strain
in a rapid run over many miles, but
they are not ordinarily serious in
healthy women. but may be in those
not up to par as to their nervous sys-
TENS The excitement of motoring
may appeal to such women. The ev-
er-increasing stimulation inherent in
speeding may sooner or later end in
prostration. For such cases entire
rest and complete abandonment of
motoring are absolutely essential.