Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1919 — USE A LITTLE COMMON SENSE [ARTICLE]

USE A LITTLE COMMON SENSE

In Driving Your Car and Thereby Avoid Needless Accident. Newspapers dally chronicle many automobile accidents. The number of fatalities and serious injuries have increased amazingly during the last three years. Many conditions govern the cause of accidents. In most instances it is difficult to determine who is at fault; the pedestrian, the motorman •or the driver of the automobile. From the automobile standpoint, many accidents are due to lack of a little common sense and carelessness in applying a few simple driving rules. The following driving suggestions are offered to the motorists with the hope that an observance of saffie will be the means of avoiding many serious accidents: First, assume that you must look out for yourself and the other fellow too. Don’t rely wholly on the other fellow doing the right thing, and you will be on your guard if he does the wrong thing and ready for an emergency. Never back or swing from the curb into the street without looking back to see if the way is clear. Glance both ways on cross streets, and if you are not on a main thoroughfare slow down before you cross. It is safest to drive slowly enough to have the car well under control where buildings hide the intersecting streets. Do not cut corners in turning, but keep to your side of the street and look both ways before you make your turn. Put out a hand as a guide to the car following or approaching. In passing a slower vehicle pass on your felt, but in passing a street car always keep to your right.

Do not follow another vehicle too closely. It might stop suddenly. Stop when the street car ahead of you stops, and stand still until all passengers getting off are out of the street. In most cities this is required by ordinance. Dim your lights when approaching another automobile on a boulevard or road. The use of common sense at all 'times will save trouble for yourself and the other fellow.