Safe driving advice from 1939 still rings true

By Joan Janzen

A document issued by the Saskatchewan Government Motor License Division in 1939 offered motorists a list of "Good Safety Rules to Observe." More than 85 years later, many of the recommendations remain just as relevant today.

One of the illustrations from the 1939 Saskatchewan Government Motor License Division safety guide encouraged drivers to use proper hand signals, reminding them, "The Man Behind Can't Read Your Mind. SIGNAL!” PHOTO COURTESY OF HISTORICAL SASKATCHEWAN

The guide reminded drivers not to pass on hills or blind curves, noting, "you might just as well drive blindfolded."

Motorists were urged to signal every turn because "the fellow behind is entitled to this courtesy," and to never challenge the right-of-way. "If in doubt, take no chance," the document advised.

Other reminders included:

• Don't cut corners. "That's the other fellow's territory and he might claim it."

• Don't cut in sharply after passing. "The driver you pass hates the ditch as much as you do."

• Don't be a road hog. "Your half of the road is on the right."

• Don't come to sudden stops without signalling. Rear-end crashes are costly.

• Don't lag in traffic. "You have no right to delay those behind."

• Don't take a chance with faulty brakes or tires. "It's a saving you'll regret."

• Don't be reckless at any time. You endanger not only your own life, but the lives of others.

• Don't drive with blinding lights. "The driver approaching hates it as much as you do."

• Don't race for an intersection and then stop suddenly. Brakes have been known to fail.

• Don't drive if you drink. Don't drink if you drive.

• Don't back up without looking. There might be someone there.

• Don't allow your car to be driven by anyone who does not have an operator's licence. Your car is your responsibility.

• Don't drive without your operator's licence on your person. You may be asked for it.

The safety guide also encouraged motorists to keep a safe stopping distance, remember that unexpected situations can happen at any time, and to "Drive sanely. Signal plainly. Save a life, perhaps your own."

Other advice included stopping completely and looking both ways before entering a highway from a side road, along with a simple reminder that reflected the era: "Always keep your plates clean."