PROTECTING THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE DRIVER
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The Necessity for the Totally Enclosed Cab in Winter.
THE PIT'CI-1. of perfection has practically been reached in ensuring the comfort and warmth of the driver of the petrol lorry. Enclosed cabs, spring cushions, ample leg room, and the positioning Of steering pillar and pedals and levers all make for elimination of unnecessary strain in driving, and ensure the maximum of comfort and protection from cold and inclement weather.
It is realized that the driver who is perfectly comfortable, and whose mind is not distracted by minor points, can work better and with greater safety than if he is cold, wet, uncomfortable, • or awkwardly placed as regards the operation of the pedals and lever s.
. In regard to protection from cold, the petrol lorry has a big advantage over the electric vehicle by reason of the warmth from the engine, which ensures that the air, in the cab shall never drop below the comfort line. Good doors and front and side screens prevent the wind cutting in when the vehicle is running at a good speed.
On the other hand, the electric -vehicle has no engine to warm the air, and it is amazing to note the number of these vehicles which have open or only partially enclosed cabs and no windscreen. This is-not the fault of the. manufacturer. Every male of
electric vehicle can be supplied with the enclosed cab. The fact that so many of these vehicles are running without the requisite enclosure is a sign that the purchasers have " economized" to a small extent at the expense of the driver's comfort. It is not real economy. The cold driver is more liable to accidentsr than the man who is thoroughly warm and whose 'muscles are ready to respond at once to the call of the brain in a sudden traffic emergency. Not only is there more risk of accident, but there is, inevitably, time lost by reason of the driver delaying proceeding when he has a chance to warm up in some place of call.
Quite apart from questions of risk and loss of time, it is advantageous to the owner to have his men contented; they work better, and their morale and feeling of esprit de corps in the business is preserved.. When it is considered that the prime cost Of this full-weather protection is a very small addition to. the cost of the vehicle, there is no -reason to economizeon it.
Steamers are in a different category. The driver in most cases is warm enough, except when he is half in and. half ant of the embryo cab, but the species of slightly curved gridiron which is provided for Ids seating accommodation is not the height of luxuriousness. J.G.