Life — September 21, 1911 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This illustration depicts a traveler in a forest encountering a warning sign reading "DANGER! BAD TURNING A.A.A." (likely referring to the American Automobile Association). The figure appears startled or lost. The satire likely critiques early automobile tourism and road conditions—particularly bad or poorly-marked roads that could endanger drivers. The "haunted wood" framing suggests these dangerous routes were common hazards for motorists. The AAA sign indicates the organization's role in rating or warning about problematic roads. This reflects early 20th-century concerns about automobile safety infrastructure and the growing tension between automotive expansion and roadway conditions. The comical treatment mocks both driver anxiety and inadequate road guidance systems of the era.