Page:Popular Mechanics 1928 01.pdf/94

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POPULAR MECHANICS

drivers is small as compared with total accidents reported, they more often result in mortalities. Drastic legislation in nearly every state has brought the number of deaths from this source to a considerably lower level than in the year 1921.

Reckless Driving Explains the Bulk of All Auto Accidents; Then, from Right to Left on the Chart, Come Careless Minor Accidents, Viz., Carelessness of Both Drivers; Careless Pedestrians, Faulty Equipment and Miscellaneous Causes; Below Is the Result of Approaching a Narrow Bridge at Too High Speed; Bridges, Embankments, Sharp Curves and Blind Corners Are All Heavy Contributors to Motor Deaths
Reckless Driving Explains the Bulk of All Auto Accidents; Then, from Right to Left on the Chart, Come Careless Minor Accidents, Viz., Carelessness of Both Drivers; Careless Pedestrians, Faulty Equipment and Miscellaneous Causes; Below Is the Result of Approaching a Narrow Bridge at Too High Speed; Bridges, Embankments, Sharp Curves and Blind Corners Are All Heavy Contributors to Motor Deaths

A great mass of data has been collected by organizations investigating highway accidents to show that the outstanding single mental condition giving rise to casualties is fatigue which, in turn, causes carelessness, recklessness and a general decline in the ability of a driver or pedestrian to act speedily and accurately.

In the child problem, general inattentiveness has been found the chief cause of fatalities and injuries. The child at play is a bundle of trembling nerves and, in the joy of the game, is almost unconscious of any world but his own. He may run into the street and, being there, continue his pleasant pastime without regard to the motorist.

Thoughtlessness and poor judgment are the cause of more than forty per cent of all accidents. These classifications include jay-walking. inattention, confusion, inexperience and recklessness. Various national organizations inter