CB helps keep death off roads
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I HAVE READ your Editorial on Citizens Band radio with dismay. You seem to suggest that its introduction in the United Kingdom, as recently proposed by the Home Secretary, would lead to an increase in road traffic accidents
In fact, experience in West Germany and Scandinavia, not to mention the United States of America, suggests the exact opposite. Certain types of accidents, most notably multiple collisions in fog and other
conditions of poor visibility, are greatly reduced when Citizens' Band radio use reaches a certain critical level.
This is because CB users who have been warned of an obstruction will take steps to warn other drivers that a hazard exists before they strike it.
Furthermore, a recent study by the US Department of Transportation, in association with the New York State Police, has shown that police and ambulance response to accidents and other highway emergencies is greatly improved when CB is available for initial reporting. As you must know the chances of a seriously injured victim surviving are greatly increased by rapid first aid — CB brings this. The superintendent of till Ohio State Highway Patrol ha recently estimated that sorn1 500 lives a year are saved ii that State which would be lost i CB did not exist.
In short, Citizens' Band radic can demonstrably save largE numbers of lives on the road. Ir addition it provides a welcomE respite from the loneliness of thE long-distance driver by allowint him to talk to those around him
This may, indeed, be further aid to safety in helpint him to keep awake in rnonoto nous driving conditions, ant letting him see other drivers at people to be treated with con sideration rather than cars to Lit treated aggressively. It is higltime that Citizens' Band radit was introduced in the UK. JAMES M. BRYANT
President Citizens' Band Association Cheltenham, Gloucestershire