DISPARITY between the factors of automobile and highway design that are far advanced and the factors that lag far behind constitutes the cause of many of our transportation difficulties, according to the author. The paper therefore aims to show the demand for safety and its economic advantage to the automotive industry and to indicate some of the principles necessary for its accomplishment.
After stating that the automobile manufacturers should take a far-sighted view of the situation, take positive steps toward safety and cash in on the demand that is growing and that cannot be stopped by denying its existence, the author considers and comments upon some of the characteristics of automobiles that undoubtedly are partly responsible for accident potentialities. Visibility from the driver's seat is considered in detail, together with devices that assist visibility. The other driver's viewpoint also is considered.
Aids to steering safety are outlined, braking-system improvements are indicated and means for avoidance of distracting drivers' attention from their duties are enumerated. Air pollution inside the car is discussed and means for minimizing it are suggested. Fire-hazard factors are considered, as well as the subject of reducing damage caused by accidents.
In the discussion, means for simplifying the control of an automobile are advocated, the suggestion is made that need may arise to install on cars larger and more adequate brakes than those now in use, the importance of good visibility is emphasized and steering mechanisms are criticized.