New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-09
Simple Rules That
Make for Real
":Safety First"
By William II. Stewart, Jr.

The law requires certain safety ep-
plisnces to be carried on every car.
These are the lights, horn and brakes.
But there are several other matters
which one must attend TO il he is to
drive with the least possible danger
Of an accident.
Undoubtedly the most important Of
these is the steering gear, which the
law does not mention at all. More
harm can be done by failure of the
steering gear than by any other one
cause. When the gear fails the car
keeps on going, and il does not usually
have to go far to cause a serious ac-
cident.
Once a week the bolts and nuts must
be inspected 10 make sure that split
pins and lock washers are doing their
proper work. Any looseness in the
steering wheel should be traced TO its
cause and corrected. This is frequently
in the steering gear itself, which IS
usually provided with some means OF
adjustment. If the loOseness at the
wheel begins TO increase, inspect the
drag link, as one end is then coming
loose.
The brakes are next IN Importance
to the steering gear in the matter OF
safety. Try the brakes every time you
take cut your car. Speed up and try
the foot brake, and then try the
emergency brake. Note if car stops
within the usual distance. Note If the
car has tendency to swing to one
side, showing that one wheel is drag
cling and the other wheel is turning
freely.
Occasionally have some one watch
the rear wheels TO see if they both
turn. If one turns and the other drags,
the tread of the tire will be worn off
in spots and the result will be danger
Gus, because the tight wheel may
sometimes be on slippery ground UNI.
able to hold, but the loose wheel turns
on good ground, and so cannot stop
the car. If the test shows that one
wheel is loose have it adjusted i'm
mediately.
Frequently inspect the brakes by
lacking up both rear wheels, applying
the emergency lever until it holds Sc
curely, and trying to turn the wheels.
They should turn with about the same
resistance. If not, tighten the loose
side. Be careful not TO overdo this,
as dragging brakes cut down the power
of the engine and do not allow the
car to develop its full speed.
In some states a mirror is required
so that the driver, before turning, may
know if there is any one behind him.
This is an excellent law and should
be followed by other states. The old
saying, "The man behind must look
out for me-" does not always work for
safety Find out where he is and know
what he is doing. Then, only. is it safe
to turn. If he does not notice you. but
keeps right on, you know the fact and
50 can avoid collision.
Prevent skiddlng. Not only is this
likely TO happen in wet weather, but
it frequently occurs in dry weather,
when one least expects il. A watering
cart is all that is necessary to provide
the proper conditions. 1t NAV be dur
ing the dryest season-no rain for
many days. You turn the corner and
find the street has been watered
Busy with me traffic, YOU do not
at speed until you are suddenly COM
PEELED TO stop. Your car skids and
the damage is done. Because of this
danger, tires with nOn-skid treads will
be found serviceable on the rear WHEELS.
They cost slightly more than the plain
tread tires. but are worth the difference
because of the extra safety they pro-
vide. When the projections are worn
down they may be moved forward
For heavy weather and snow time
there is nothing equal 10 a good set
of chains; one on each wheel, and one
in reserve, should be the rule. If only
two are used, they should be on the
rear wheels. If only one, II should
be on the left rear 10 avoid being dam
aged against the curb. Fasten them
tightly, but not so tightly that they
cannot creep. If they are held rigidly
in one place they wear into the tread
and ruin il. Carry a half-dozen cross
links and a chain tool for roadside re-
pairs.
, And last. but not least. be alert. an
ticipating danger. The man who fOrges
ahead at all times and turns when he
pleases, without signalling to those be-
hind. frequently meets with an accident
because he deserves il. Keep the eyes
on the road ahead. and especially on
cross roads, TO see that your way is
clear Avoid looking down at the feet
and turning TO talk TO peoDle i'm the
tonneau. Give other users OF the high
ways the same right YOU wish for
yourself, and YOU viii drive a long
way IN safety.