Minister Calls For Caution By Drivers During Easter

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28552, 3 April 1958, Page 14

Minister Calls For Caution By Drivers During Easter

(New Zealand Preet Assoctattoa)

WELLINGTON. April 2. There had been 569 road accidents. in which 32 persons were killed and 900 injured, over the Easter holiday period during the last five years, said the Minister of Transport <Mr Mathison) today. The dangers of the Easter period were greatly increased as it fell in the autumn season, the worst season on the roads.

During March. 33 persons lost their lives in road accidents, compared with 29 in March last year, he added.

“Road deaths so far this year total 91. compared with 75 for the first three months of last year and the record 99 in 1954.“ Mr Mathison said. “Twenty-one of last month’s 33 road deaths happened at weekends." said the Minister, “and this emphasises the need for extreme care by all road users over this coming holiday week-end "

Mr Mathison said that there would be more than 300 traffic officers on the roads over Easter, and their whole objective would be to prevent accidents. Microwave speed detectors would be operating over wide areas by day and night Plainclothes patrols, as well as motorcycle patrols and flying squads, would cover all districts. ! “Over this week-end traffic officers will pay particular attention to the drunken drivers and the irresponsible and reckless drivers, as well as the inconsiderate drivers," said the Minister. “They have no place on our roads at any

time, let alone a holiday time such as this, when they endanger the lives of innocent persons and are a real menace on our roads.” Last Easter Saturday and Monday were the worst two accident days of the holiday, when M accidents occurred with 134 injured and two killed. "I would emphasise that the only answer to these accidents is extra care by all on the roads.” said Mr Mathison, "and this applies more than ever during the dusk and darkness hours and at holiday times.”