OCR Text |
Show uo- CfflfiSIK ACCtDENTS EASY TO PREVENT An. item of extreme importance to the motorist is tho proper crossing of railroad tracks, especially crossing where there aro," no gates. TJie usual method is . to throttle down and drive across in high, not bothering about shifting to a lower gear. Consideration , of the matter will show that the engine en-gine may easily be stalled when so handlqd." To drive in high gear requires re-quires a certain amount of gas. If the amount Is reduced too much the engine en-gine will stall. By shifting into second speed all such danger is overcome. The car may be driven across the tracks at approximately the same rate,""but the engine is -run at a speed -which removes re-moves thQ danger of stalling. The distance dis-tance is short and a full throttle will insure better control and send the machine clear if necessary. Usually the driver opens the throt1 tie too suddenly, thus choking the engine. en-gine. This is because the air valve yields readily to the increased suction, giving a sudden rush of air before the spray nozzle can respond with sufficient suffic-ient gasoline. Tho throttle, whether opened by hand or accelerator, should he opened gradually enough to allow the engine to respond. Stalling the engine on the tracks with the train approaching at high speed is a ticklish experience, to say the least. There is no time to start the engine, so the operator who keeps his presence of mind uses the starter to pull out of danger. He quickly shifts into low speed and presses the starter pedal. The car moves forward slowly, but it moves I Keeping this fact" in mind, a driver may save his life in such an emergency and also tho lives of thoso with him. When starting down a long, steep grade it Is advisable to leave tho gears in a speed for use in an emergency. Tho rear wheels will then turn the engine, which resistance affords very good braking effect. A light car on a moderately steep hill will slow down quickly and a heavier car will movo slowly enough- to bj. under control. This is called "using the engine as a brake."' It should be practiced from timo to time so that tho driver may become familiar with the method. t Many drivers do not know how to take the bumps easily. A good way is to throw out the clutch and apply the foot brake gradually. This relieves tho shock so that many times IL may not bo noted by those riding. Denver Post, |