The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-05-07
Women Motorists.

Women motorists are increasing in
numbers; and this fact is said to be
stimulating manufacturers to build
cars with especial reference to femi-
nine abilities and limitations. Crank
ing up" has heretofore certainly been
mans work. When the self starter
has been perfected, however, as 1t
now promises to be, and becomes
simple. inexpensive and reliable,
about tce last mechanical impendi-
ment to woman's handling her own
car will be removed. Even now the
clutch. which used to require a mans
muscular power to disengage, gener-
ally needs only the strength which
the average woman can easily exert,
and new devices make it possible for
women to adjust tires. The Journal
Of the American Medical Association
discusses this subject in a recent is
sue. with special reference to the
physical effects in women Of continued
motoring.
Driving motor car from April to
November should be a healthful rec
reation, both physical and mental,
for many women, provided the exercise
be within reasonable limits and the
car runabout or light roadster-one
at any rate, not too heavy for q wo-
man 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
disastrous in emergencies, or which
might render it advisable to confine
motoring efforts to areas outside the
crowded portion Of the larger cities
1t offers much pleasure and benefit,
perhaps, and may be indulged in
when the other forms Of exercise or
sport are unavailable or unsuitable
Rational motoring affords opportunity
for plenty Of fresh air. with improv-
ed 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 a
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 IS TIE result Of
this.
The "auto-eye' is a spasm Of the
ciliary muscles (Which govern acom-
modations for distances): to this those
who have errors Of refraction are
specially prone; speeding over an un-
known country, through devious
roads, the sight being constantly and
rapidly attracted by objects now
near and now in the distance.
makes abnormal strain on the visual
mocha nism.
Wind and dust. coupled with high
speed. induce any degree of con-
junctival Inflammation, from a
hyperemia to a contagious lesion
the wearing of goggles largely obvi-
ates this. Auto-leg is a cramp due
to sitting in one position for hours,
while the veins and muscles are un-
der strain from consecutive shocks
and joltings over bad roads.
Nerve strain and nerve exhaustion
followed by hysteria and neurasthenia,
are not rare, especially among young
women who motor extensively. Such
attacks come on relaxation after
strain in 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
ever-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.
Pote'a PaasIon for CanbIIno