REFLECTING LICENSES FOR NIGHT SAFETY Highway officials throughout North America are seeking ways to overcome a basic traffic hazard — darkness. Though only one-third of the driving is done at night the hours of darkness account for more than twice the num- ber of daytime accidents. Eleven states in the US. are pres- ently engaged in programs to over- come one type of ‘accident which accounts for a large percentage of highway deaths and injuries — the nighttime rear-end collision. These states are engaged in programs using the principle of reflectorization on license plates to make vehicles more visible at night. The trend toward using “Scotch- lite” brand reflective sheeting on license plates has been increasing since 1947 when Connecticut adopted reflective plates and revalidation tabs. At present 11 states have adopted the reflectorization principle in one or both of these forms or are in the midst of programs testing it. The same reflective sheeting in various colors is used throughout the nation on traffic control signs to make them visible and readable at great distances at night. It has found use on the rear-ends of autos, trucks, buses—even on the sides of trains— to make the vehicles brightly visible after dark. Reports show that in communities where civic groups have sponsored programs to put reflective tape on auto bumpers, nighttime rear-end collisions were reduced as much as 85 per cent. Similar records are reported by trucking and transportation com- panies which have treated their vehicles for nighttime visibility. Some have completely eliminated rear-end collisions over a period of several years. States which are using or testing the same principle of reflection on license plates, tabs or stickers are Ohio, Rhode Island, Maryland, Delaware North Carolina, Connecticut, Maine, New Mexico, Missouri, Washington and Oregon. The reflective plates give the mo- torist an ever-present warning device which “operates” independently of the auto’s electric system. By day the reflective license plates look like ordinary enameled plates. But at night under auto headlights they have the same daytime appear- ance and stand out brightly in the darkness to protect the motorist. Even TWENTY-SEVENTH EDITION on parked or disabled cars which have no lights the reflective plates offer advanced warning to the approaching car. One of the reasons for high night- time accident rate—the fatal accident rate per mile is three times higher at Pedestrian Protection ‘You Are lavistble _ atlight: Yes, when you walk the streets at night you may be invisible to approach- ing drivers until you are within range of their headlights. Then it is too late for them to stop to avoid hitting you. You can see an automobile by its head- lights at night long before the driver can see you. So be especially careful when crossing streets at night, warns the American Automobile Association. Don’t cross when a vehicle is approach- ing, but wait until the way is clear. —AAA Safety Feature night—is that on modern high-speed roadways motorists drive “beyond” their headlights. By the time an object ahead becomes visible in the head- lights it is often too late to stop. Reflective license plates help over- come this problem by giving the driver approaching from the rear a vivid long-distance warning, long before the headlights outline the car or truck ahead. The difference in time may often be the difference between life and death. Law enforcement is aided because officers can read registration numbers on the reflective plates faster and easier at night, even though the car may be parked without lights. The numbers—reflecting the lights of the police car-—are readable from great distances. * * DAVE’S GARAGE LTD. MERCURY and METEOR Sales and Service GENUINE FORD PARTS J. I. CASE MACHINERY Complete Repair Service FORT ST. JOHN Bowes & Herron Ltd. General Repair Shop & Garage Electric and Acetylene Welding Generator and Magneto Service Tractor Work — Lathe Work * GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCTS CHEVROLET and OLDSMOBILE FORT ST. JOHN B.C. Northern Motors Limited DODGE and DESOTO CARS DODGE TRUCKS Sales and Service FORT ST. JOHN B.C. CONDILL CAFE GEORGE YIPP, Proprietor TENDER JUICY STEAKS a Specialty * FORT ST. JOHN B.C. COLUMBUS HOTEL QUIET, COMFORTABLE ROOMS WITH BATH * Moderate Rates FULLY LICENSED * PRINCE GEORGE PRINCE GEORGE CAFE COFFEE SHOP — DINING-ROOM BANQUET ROOM The Finest in Central B.C. * PRINCE GEORGE B.C. PANAMA VARIETY WADEAI M. TROTTER Books and Toys - Gifts and Novelties Costume Jewelry - Souvenirs Notions and Cosmetics 365 George Street - Phone 74 PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA Page Seventeen