Drive safely!

[speedbird591]

This is a wonderful video taken from the front of a San Francisco cablecar in 1905 shortly before the earthquake. It's a journey down Market Street and although the traffic isn't particularly heavy, the potential for accidents is incredible. No wonder we now have regulations and highway codes!

You Tube video

Ian

[DaveB]

Hmm..

That's similar to driving in Reading but with fewer horses

ATB

DaveB

[cstorey]

Why does the sceptic in me think there is something bogus about this film? the tramcar never stops once.

[Garry Russell]

Thanks for that Ian


The camaera could be mounted on some sort of utility/mobile workshop/repair tram, or even a special truck for mounting, the huge (in those days) camera, which would explain it not stopping.

[fran65]

Thanks for sharing Ian

Is a great document of history, and also makes us think that we are passing through.
The world in those pictures no longer exists, people are all dead, perhaps some building remains ...
..black and white makes me a strange feeling!

[petermcleland]

Thanks for that post Ian...9 minutes of sheer pleasure

[Nigel H-J]

Totally agree Francesco, I was thinking exactly the same as I watched it.

See there is very little change in the way of driving manners on the road, barge in front regardless - no signals - not so much as a thank you!! - cyclists still think they own the road - pedestrians walk out in front in defiance and did you notice, not one person seemed at all happy in that film not a smile to be seen anywhere - police officer hanging around with his baton in his hand not doing much....Ooops, sorry Eddie!!

Nigel.

[nigelb]

An amazing video. Thanks for posting, Ian.

I was especially impressed with the very brave and foolhardy Colonial who attempted to demonstrate to the rest of San Francisco the correct side of the street to drive! (around 4:12 in the film.)

While watching, I had the same feelings as Francesco and Nigel the First - with the added thought that these people, like all of us, have no idea of the fate that awaits - how many survive this traffic, probably on a daily basis, only to perish in the earthquake?

Nigel²

[VEGAS]

Nige.

Two digs in one post.

How very dare you...

I bet being a cop in those days was interesting. The rule book was'nt even written.

[airboatr]

police officer hanging around with his baton in his hand not doing much....Ooops, sorry Eddie!!

Nigel.

I pity you guys pulling Eddies chain, when one of these days you drive into his territory and commit a moving infraction!!


... and this ticket is for .... and this one is for ... and muha ha ha THIS one ... bonk with the batton. is for good measure

so yaz don't forget..