ROAD ACCIDENTS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27403, 16 July 1954, Page 17

ROAD ACCIDENTS

HIGH FREQUENCY IN WINTER EVENINGS CHRISTCHURCH FIGURES More road accidents occur in Christchurch during the winter months early on Friday and Saturday evenings than at any other time of the year. Graphs kept by the traffic department of the Christchurch City Council show that last winter these times were the most dangerous for any persons using roads in the city. In Christchurch, today and every other Friday in the months between April and September are the most dangerous days of the week. Last winter 19 accidents occurred on Fridays before noon, and 47 in the 12 hours after that. The comparative figures for the corresponding period of the two previous years were 10 and 30. Most Saturday accidents occur in the afternoons and evenings. Last year there were only seven accidents in the mornings, but there were 46 in the afternoons. In winter between midnight and 5 a.m. last year, 16 accidents occurred within the city boundaries. At 7 a.m. the frequency jumped from nothing in the two previous hours to 15 in the next hour, and went up to 21 between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. There was a lull during the rest of the morning, but after midday, with the exception of a quiet period between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., the number of accidents increased. The number decreased again from 8 p.m. to midnight. Accident frequency graphs enable traffic patrols to be placed where they will be most useful at the most potentially dangerous times. They also acquaint road users with the times when they should take most care.