MOTOR-CYCLING ACCIDENTS

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26514, 31 August 1951, Page 6

MOTOR-CYCLING ACCIDENTS

CAMPAIGN BY ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 30. Unless New Zealand motor-cyclists reduced their accident rate to the same figure as that for 1938 more restrictions would be imposed on them, said the chairman (Mr J. Hobbs) at the first meeting of motor-cyclists organised by the Road Safety Council in Wellington last night. The meeting was well attended.

Wellington had the highest accident rate in New Zealand, said Mr Hobbs. Some months ago legislation, making the wearing of crash helmets compulsory was introduced, but the Road Safety Council had been formed and the Minister of Transport (Mr W. S. Goosman) agreed to suspend the legislation for a year. Motor-cyclists now had one year from September 1 to reduce the accident rate to the 1938 total. Failing that, restrictions such as making the wearing of crash helmets compulsory, a speed limit of 40 miles an hour and a ban on pillion riding would be imposed. The regulations said that a driving school must be formed, and some were now operating successfully in other centres.

Mr Hobbs urged motor-cyclists to join local motor-cycling clubs where opportunity would be offered them for the sporting side of riding. The crash helmet would save head injuries, but would not help to prevent accidents caused by failure to observe the rules of the road.