The Farmville Herald

Fender-Denters Who Sneak Away From Scene of Crime Better Leave Note!

If you don't know your note-writing responsibilities after hitting an unattended vehicle or are vague on car passenger obligations in hit and-run crashes . . . better bone up

New laws governing movement of traffic and vehicle operation, passed by the 1958 General Assembly, go into effect this week, precisely, at midnight June 26.

The following paragraphs are a brief rundown of the new laws prepared by Col. C. W. Woodson, Jr., superintendent of State Police

Hit-And-Run

The laws governing hit-and-run crashes have been amended to require any occupant of a vehicle involved to report the crash to the Superintendent of State Police or, if it occurs in a city or town, to the local police chief within 24 hours if the driver fails to do so.

If a driver strikes an unattended vehicle and cannot locate the owner after a reasonable effort, he must leave a note in a conspicuous place at the scene giving his name, address, operator's license number and vehicle registration number. He must further report within 24 hours to the same pertinent police official

Driving a truck, tractor-truck, house trailer or any combination of vehicles used to transport property at a speed in excess of 65 will constitute reckless driving. Formerly the limit was 75 for all types of vehicles

The top speed limit for pickup and panel trucks if the gross weight exceeds 5,000 pounds will be 45. Formerly only such vehicles exceeding one-ton carrying capacity came under this ruling. The new gross weight includes that of the vehicle plus the load. In addition, trailers and semi-trailers or any separate vehicle in tow must be equipped with brakes if the gross weight (vehicle and load is as much as 3,000 pounds.

U Turn Change

"U" turns will be prohibited on the highway on a curve, or near a crest or grade where approaching traffic cannot observe the turning vehicle from a distance of at least 500 feet.

Formerly, a vehicle approaching an intersection was required to yield right of way to one within the intersection and making a left turn across the other vehicle's line of traffic. The new law removes this right of way unless there is present an automatic signal device permitting left turns while requiring other traffic to stop The law requiring a stop when entering a public highway from a private road or driveway has been strengthened to require a stop also when driving across a sidewalk from an alley or building

The owner or operator of a vehicle halted on the highway in a dangerous manner by reason of an accident, mechanical breakdown or other valid emergency will be required to report the fact as soon as practicable to the nearest police office:

A new law prohibits anyone riding a bicycle, roller skates, toys or other devices on wheels or runners from attaching himself or any of the devices mentioned to any vehicle upon a roadway