ACCIDENT RATE ON INCREASE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 271, 28 August 1946, Page 6

ACCIDENT RATE ON INCREASE

MORE DEATHS ON THE ROADS THIS YEAR (P.A.) WELLINGfTON, Aug. 27. Tire mounting death-roll on the roads of Netv Zealand this *year is causing the authorities grave concern. Already, with only eight months of the year gone, the figure has gone ahead of the total for the whole of last year. Three factors chiefly are stated to be responsible: The condition of many tyres, old vehicles, and the restricted experience of a great number of drivers as a result of petrol rationing. The Commissioner of Transport (Mr G L. Laurenson), commenting to-day*, said the Department was gravely concerned over the rising number of deaths and injuries on the roads, and it was taking all steps to make the public aware of the seriousness of the situation. ITe said that with the longer daylight hours during, the coming months accidents involving pedestrians should decrease, but it was feared that motorists would travel further afield and unless care was exercised, particularly with well-worn tyres, there would be a further increase in serious accidents. With 20 fatal road accidents so far for August, the figures for the first eight- months of the year are 132, as compared with 129 for the who e oi last year. Last year was a record low period for accidents, but with the end of petrol restrictions and the most popular months still to come, it was anticipated that the total migh come up to those of pre-war years.