ROAD DEATHS A RECORD

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 12

ROAD DEATHS A RECORD

371 Killed So Far In 1960 (Neu, Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 30. Road deaths this year have reached a record total of 371—22 more than in 1959. So far this month 30 persons have died on the roads. Deaths on the roads in the first seven days of the holidays ’otalled 11. Last year eight lives were lost in the 12 days of the holidays which end on Tuesday. There have been four tractor fatalities since Friday. Three of these have occurred on public highways and the fourth occurred today when a tractor overturned, pinning its driven beneath it. “Past experience has shown that New Year parties are extremely popular,” said Mr J. C. C. Edwards, traffic superintendent of the Transport Department, today. “This has led to an increase in the number of drunken drivers and of drivers who ’have been drinking. “This type of driver should not be allowed to endanger the lives of passengers or of other road users. “So far these holidays traffic officers have apprehended 14 drunken drivers and 84 drivers have had their keys taken from them. “All traffic officers will be working extended hours through the remainder of the holiday break and have been instructed to keep a sharp watch for the drunken driver.” More than 8000 vehicles have been checked by microwave equipment. Ninety-seven motorists have received tickets for speeding and 85 have been warned.