Avoid Dangerous Excrescences on Vehicles
Page 14
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THE results of an accident which we witnessed recently conveyed very forcibly to our mind the great importance of avoiding, so far as possible, on all fast-moving vehicles projections which might increase the extent of injury caused to those affected.
In this case, which occurred in the black-out, a man leaving a cinema and unwisely crossing the road before his eyes had become accustomed to the gloom, walked into the side of a car. If there had been no projection. on this part of the vehicle he would probably have been thrown clear without serious injury. As it was, however, the full force of the blow was concentrated on to his face by a projecting door hinge and, consequently, his injuries were very severe and, so far as we could see, he had lost an eye with some fracturing of the bone. Incidentally, a handle was also torn off the door; that alone may have caused other damage to him.
Such a case as this emphasizes the need for devising some means by which handles and other projections can be recessed. Hinges, of course, are, admittedly, a difficult proposition, but if it be found impracticable to prevent them from projecting it might prove a comparatively simple mafter to provide them with what may be termed streamline shields„ which could be incorporated in the body design.
This is a point which might well receive the consideration of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, in conjunction with the manufacturers of commercial and other types of vehicle.