ACCIDENTS AT CROSS-ROADS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Is it not time that something was done to prevent the frequent ghastly motor accidents at cross-roads ?
There scents to be a class of motorist for whom warning signs of danger have no meaning, and who are recklessly inconsiderate of their own lives and those of others. Nothing short of something necessitating a complete stop has any effect in making such people " slow up " at points of danger.
I would therefore suggest that all junctions of two main, or otherwise much-frequented, roads should be barricaded by gates at each point where one of the roads connects with the other, on the principle of the gates at railway level-crossings. The gates should close with springs, thus necessitating a stop, and descent, on the part of drivers of cars, in order to pass the barrier.
The expense of the erection and upkeep of such protections of life and property might be met by a penny-in-the-slot system, by which the insertion of a penny would automatically open the gate.—I am, Sir, &e.,
[We fear our correspondent's suggestion is hardly practicable. Some years ago we suggested the introduction into this country at dangerous cross-roads of the French plan of caniveaux or small ditches dug across the road which necessitate slowing down. In France a preliminary warning is put up thirty or forty yards beforehand.—ED. Spectator.]
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