Obstruction Which Slows Traffic
Page 30
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THE so-called road hog is not necessarily only the driver who proceeds at a speed which is over-rapid in the particular circumstances—in fact, the term might be applied to many pedestrians who dawdle purposely in a foolish display of their alleged rights. To our mind the worst form of road hog is the driver—particularly the slow one— who clings to the centre of the road and forces other traffic to queue behind his vehicle or to adopt the, possible risky, expedient of swinging far out to pass or of overtaking on the near side.
We are glad to see that one man has recently been fined £5 and banned from driving for a year, for driving his car dangerously at, it was stated, 5 m.p.h. for some miles in the centre of the road, thus obstructing a bus. He claimed that his speed was 20 m.p.h., which he thought sufficiently fast for a bus, so refused to let it overtakehim. It was said that the bus passengers became extremely nervous, perhaps by the frustrated efforts of their driver to pass.
We have noted with regret that some women drivers, possibly novices, also appear to be annoyed at being overtaken by mere men. On the other hand, many do display commendable courtesy.
Bus drivers, amongst others, Have told us that they are experiencing greater difficulty in keeping up to their schedules, not only as a result of traffic congestion. but because some other classes of road user are becoming increasingly selfish. This adds to the danger by creating friction, and an aggrieved man is always likely to take more risks. Perhaps the motor organizations could help by circularing their members with some appropriate advice.