From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Signed statement describing a car accident involving a skid on melted tar.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 113\4\ scan0082 | |
| Date | 29th April 1937 | |
| COPY. To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 29.4.37 6.B.1V. While proceeding in the direction of La{L. A. Archer} Châtre from Chateauroux, I was slowing down for the corner in the usual way when the N.S. front wheel came on to a patch of melted tar caused by the hot sun. The N.S. front wheel immediately locked, the car would not respond when I pulled on the wheel, it went straight on to loose gravel and slipped off the road, the front going down into the ditch. The N.S. rear wheel cap hit the tree and the front N.S. wheel hit a small concrete sign, knocking it down. The wheel that locked had a perfectly smooth tyre showing the safety strip in one place, this tyre having completed nearly 15,000 miles. I have utilised this road on several occasions previously, but have never experienced any skids or even signs of skidding. I was unfortunately taken by surprise this morning of the bad condition of the road, as it is the first hot day we have had since we have been here this trip. I have always driven carefully throughout the time I have been out here and regret that the car should have met with this mishap while in my hands. In conclusion I beg to assure you that this accident was not due to any carelessness or inattention on my part, Signed. K.F.Scholes. | ||