RODE SAFELY [Main Title]

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  • Title: RODE SAFELY [Main Title]
  • Film Number: AMY 564
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: A commercial film about motor cycling made entirely by motor cyclists in the interest of road safety, based upon the Highway Code circa 1945/50. The film is educational in style and shows how a novice rider becomes familiar with the motorcycle itself, and then how to handle it out on the open road, where he encounters the huge variety of vehicles, drivers and pedestrians. The film was produced by Victor Horseman Ltd, a famous motorcycle Dealer in Liverpool, and would have been used by the RAF and Army to assist their training programme for professional Service riders. A series of staged accidents are used to enhance the narrative.
  • Description: Film opens to a busy street in Liverpool, the Liver Building comes into view as a Victor Horseman Ltd. van drives past. Cut to the manager at his desk speaking about road safety and the importance of adhering to the Government publication, the Highway Code. Too many accidents are due to driver error. Film shows a variety of staged accidents and notes that more pedestrians become casualties than any other road user. Meanwhile the Victor Horseman staff of fifty, all motorcyclists, arrive for work, the film showing how they all drive with care and consideration. “Maintenance”: A series of film clips, with oral commentary are used to illustrate the servicing of a motorcycle. Failure to inspect and or service properly can result in an accident on the road, and a variety of staged accidents used to emphasise the importance of regular servicing. Motorcycle OKB 163 is seen in these clips. The necessity for the driver to wear protective clothing is emphasised; waterproof coat, goggles, gloves, boots and helmet. Obtain the correct documentation, driving and vehicle licences and insurance before venturing onto a public road. “Hand signals”: Clear and timely hand signals as in the Highway Code of the period to indicate your intended manoeuvre to other road users. Failure to signal often results in minor accidents, film shows some examples. Extra care needed at cross roads; Motorcycle DJC 158 hit by a van who failed to pause, emphasising the need for forward observation and anticipation of other drivers. Further film clips of other accidents are seen. “Taking a passenger”: The use of sidecars and precautions necessary. A four point connection between the sidecar and motorcycle is desirable to maximise stability. A pillion if fitted must have a proper seat; motor cycle OKB 284 seen. “Watch out for children”: Child chases a ball down the street without looking, motorbike stops just in time. View of urban Liverpool; busy traffic and pedestrians; be aware of potential accidents. “When the road is wet”: Reduce speed, oily deposits, leaves, film cuts to many clips of unwary motor cyclists skidding off the road. “At night”: Use of headlights and reflective material applied to the cyclists clothing to make them more visible to other road users. The danger from unlit rear of vehicles. Lorry seen colliding with cyclist and destroys the motorcycle. “Odd tips”: Dogs; don’t swerve to avoid them. The use of indoor training machines to gain experience and learn off the road. Be aware of your, and others, reaction time. “The other fellow”: Always consider his point of view.
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised:
  • Object_Number: AMY 564
  • Sound: Sound
  • Access Conditions:
  • Featured Period:
  • Production Date: 1955
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: Victor Horsman Ltd, Liverpool (Production sponsor)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W Sound format: Sound
  • Technical Details: Format: 16mm Number of items/reels/tapes: 1 Length: 1372ft
  • HD Media:
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    AMY 564

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