The California Division of Highways, says Assistant District Engineer H. S. Miles, has often cautioned drivers about horseplay while operating a motor vehicle. Recently a report was received by the Division on an accident that left no doubt as to which category it belonged. In response to the question, “Who in your opinion was at fault?” the driver wrote: “The horse. As I was passing a group of horses on the roadway at a slow speed, two of them started to play and one backed up and sat down on the right front fender, causing a large dent.” In Helena, Mont., a motorist took a bite out of a ripe plum while driving his car. Deciding he didn’t like it, he tossed it out of the car window. Where do you think it landed? On the windshield of a Highway Patrolman. The motorist was fined for dumping garbage on the highway. Montreal police swear this story is true. They received a telephone complaint from a man reporting the theft of his automobile’s steering wheel, dashboard, and brake, gas and clutch pedals. Police promised an immediate investigation. A few moments later, however, the phone rang again. The same man said they needn’t bother. He had got into the back seat of his car by mistake and thought it was the front seat. In Monroe, Wis., motorists picketed the city hall after officials decided to raise the fine for parking violations to one dollar. It formerly was 10 cents. In Toronto, a motorist hit a hole in a road and his car careened into a jewelry store window. City authorities approved out-of-court settlements of $2,084 to the driver and $5,125 to the storekeeper. The hole was fixed for $7. “Did you get his license number?” Oregon highway patrolmen asked a motorist after his car was struck by a hit-and-run driver. “I sure did,” he replied. “I grabbed it as he drove away.” He handed them the license plate. |