JULY 1945- President Harry Truman reminds drivers that increased gas rations mean more cars in use, urges frequent brake inspections.

Even in 1945, safe braking was the pinnacle of automobile safety. Truman cared so much about drivers and the importance of safe braking, he sanctioned a publication in Brake Service magazine explaining the significance of faulty brakes.

After holding a conference on safe braking with Chiefs of Police from all over the country, Truman had this to say about braking safety:

“The average car in use today is twice as old as as the average car in use before the war. It’s mechanical condition is likely to be poor.. It’s brakes may be faulty. The Chiefs of Police advises me that a recent check-up showed that one out of every seven cars in the United States and Canada does not meet safety requirements. ”

If in 1945, 1 out of 7 vehicles were faulty, what do you think the ratio is today? Have we improved or not?

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