Life, 1920-05-27 · page 6 of 44
Life — May 27, 1920 — page 6: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **safety advertisement** for Weed Tire Chains, not satire. The dramatic scene depicts an automobile accident with injured pedestrians and concerned onlookers. The ad's argument is straightforward: careless drivers who fail to use tire chains on wet, slippery roads cause preventable accidents and injuries. The headline "If—I had only put on WEED TIRE CHAINS" presents regret after harm occurs. The text emphasizes **personal responsibility**, shaming negligent motorists who escape consequences while innocent victims suffer. It's a moral appeal framed as public safety messaging—essentially arguing that using chains isn't optional precaution but a social obligation to protect others. This reflects early 20th-century automotive safety concerns, when tire chains were essential winter equipment. The ad targets motorists' conscience rather than offering product benefits.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
> [had only put on- WEED TIRE CHAINS Regrets avail nothing when the harm is done. Many an accident might have been avoided and many a life saved if drivers of automobiles had only exercised ordinary, everyday precaution and had listened to the warnings which for years have been sounded through the magazines and daily newspapers, viz.—“Always put on Weed Tire Chains when the roads and pavements are wet and slippery.” In the interest of hu- manity—inthe interest of safe and sane mo- toring Put_on_your Weed Tire Chains ‘‘at the first drop of rain,"" and insist that others do the same. It’s all very well to say, “I’m sorry —I didn’t mean to do it.” Regrets don’t mend broken limbs or bring back the lives that have been taken. The innocent victims have suffered through no fault of their own while the careless motorist escapes with a reprimand, the payment of Doctor's bills and the expense of having his car repaired. Is there no way to make such fellows realize their responsibility and have more regard for the rights of others? Skidding accidents would never occur if every motorist exercised caré in driving and put on Weed Tire Chains whenever roads and pavements were wet and slippery or covered with mud and slime. AMERICAN CHAIN COMPANY, Incorporated BRIDGEPORT \G/ CONNECTICUT In Canada: Dominion Chain Company, Limited, Niagara Falls, Ontario Largest Chain Manufacturers in the World The Complete Chain Line—All Types, All Sizes, All Finishes— From Plambers’ Safety Chain to Ships’ Anchor Chain GENERAL SALES OFFICE : Grand Central Terminal, New York City DISTRICT SALES OFFICES: Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Portland, Ore. San Francisco comicbooks.com er rs