GRAVE CONCERN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 160, 8 July 1937, Page 25

GRAVE CONCERN.

ROAD ACCIDENT FIGURES. MINISTER'S COMMENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Road accident statistics compiled during June were supplied to-day by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple. These showed that 338 accidents were reported. "These figures cause me grave concern," said the Minister. "When I see that they involved 447 persons, of whom 2.> were killed, 89 seriously injured and 333 slightly injured, I feel that more drastic action is required." Cyclists, Mn Seihple added, figured prominently in many of the accidents, and in the June cases pedestrians figured in 96. "It is evident from the reports," he *iiid, "that in a great numbe> of' instances the pedeetriin" himself rvafc at fault, exercising little «are in crossing the highway. There are numerous cases of children running out into the street, o.blivious of the danger from passing traffic."

The Minister «aid he was seeking the co-operation of the Police Department and all traffic authorities in securing much better observance of the rules of the road and stricter enforcement. He liad issued instructions to his traffic fttaff to watch for offending dazzling lights. He exhorted motorists to observe and act upon the road signs provided for their benefit.