San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-04-01
SIXTY-FIVE PER CENT OF
MOTOR ACCIDENTS DUE TO
IMPERFECT BRAKE ACTION
Many Automobiles Are Being Operated on Streets
With Brakes in Need of Adjustment
lining Association Offers Valuable
Hints to Motorists.

An analysis Of the cause Of auto
mobile accidents made recently by the
Asbestos Brake Lining Association,
shows that 10 per cent are due to
the failure of brakes TO function prop
erly. A large number of the motor
vehicles being operated over the
streets in every city, it is said, have
brakes that need adjustment.
Several states, cities and towns have
passed laws requiring periodic inspec-
ton of brakes for the safety of the
public. In New York City spe-
cial squad of policemen operating un-
der the department of public safety,
devotes its entire time TO brake in
spection.
State authorities, especially traffic
policemen, have struggled valiantly
with the problem of controlling traffic,
the fundamental idea being to reduce
accidents TO a minimum. Most of the
states have laws regulating the candle
power of headlights, and requiring GER
tain improved lens, which are SO
controlled that they do not blind
drivers approaching from the opposite
direction; laws requiring proper sig
mailing devices, such as horns and the
like; and in some states it is neces-
sary to carry a mirror on the car so
that the operator may at glance see
what traffic conditions are behind
him.
These requirements are necessary,
but it is n question whether any sin
gle one of them is so vitally neces-
sary in the protection of life and prop
erty as the quick and efficient control
of the powerful forward thrust of
heavy moving body---tbe automobile.
Many and perplexing factors which
enter into the ability of driver TO
stop his car within reasonable dis
lance. The design If the brake; the
size of the brake drum; the leverage
exerted; the strength of the driver as
represented by the forward thrust of
his foot upon the brake pedal: the
weight Of the car; the speed at which
the car is moving; the kind of tires
used; the kind of road surface over
which the ear is trave.;ng; the condi-
ton of that road surface, whether wet
or dry, oily or clean: the adjustment
Of the brakes on each wheel, that is
to say, whether or no the application
of the brakes results in locking both
wheels at the same instant: all of
these factors and probably others, en-
ter into braking efficiency.
Care OF Brakes.
The Asbestos Brake Lining Associa-
ton has issued the following sugges-
tons for the edification of motorists
The brakes should be tested each
day. Before going half n block from
the garage make a service test b.
throwing out the clutch and applying |
the brakes. If possible, select dry
spot for making this service test. I'm |
der no circumstances should be the car
be taken farther If the brakes are not |
operating properly.
See that n good type of brake lin |
ing is selected.
Make sure that brake lining is prop
erly installed.
Keep the brakes in good operating
condition.
Make frequent tests for proper
brake adjustment
Have an experienced mechanic In
stall brake Innings. He should be
sure the lining is properly stretched
to avoid wrinkling. The rivets should
be properly countersunk: otherwise
the metal of the rivets will score the
brake drum and the brakes may not
hold properly.
Once in two months remove the
rear wheels AID wash the brake lin
ing in Kerosene. This removes all
oil and grease which il present take
the "bite" out of the brakes. Never
oil brake lining.
Wipe off and oil brake mechanism
every 800 miles, or at least once a
month.
All drivers should keep the brakes
adjusted properly. Brakes should not