DEATH RATE FOR YEAR WORST EVER

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30803, 15 July 1965, Page 1

DEATH RATE FOR YEAR WORST EVER

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter)

WELLINGTON, July 14.

The rate of injuries and deaths on New Zealand roads last year was far less proportionately than in Australia, Britain and the United States, according to the annual report of the Transport Department, tabled in Parliament today.

The report says the New Zealand rate for each 10,000 vehicle* is relatively low. The death rate is 4.6 compared with 8 in Australia, 6.3 in Britain and 5.5 in the United States.

Proportionate injury figures are 174.5 compared with 256, 306.9 and 195 4 respectively. In spite of this favourable proportion the rate last year.

says the report, was the worst ever for deaths and injuries on roads.

Four hundred and twentyeight persons were killed, 34 more than in 1963. and 16.268 persons were injured compared with 14,477 in 1963. Figures produced in the report show the death rate for each 10.000 vehicles has been reduced from 8.77 in 1939 to 4.59 last year. The report says the number of staff of the department on patrol duties has increased by 20 per cent in the last two years.

“The continued growth in population and in the numbers of vehicles using roads means safety activities must be continued and intensified against increasing odds in a continuing process. “Most motorists," says the report, “are law-abiding persons who readily respond to advice or more formal warnings so it is not considered the old concept of severe penalties for all who break

the traffic laws is an adequate approach to the present day road safety situation. “Court action is, however, taken against more serious offenders and the minority who appear completely indifferent to the need for proper road conduct.

“These persons are now being identified by the central register of traffic offences and in appropriate cases action will be taken by the court for cancellation of the licences ”

The report says on December 31 there were 5800 persons disqualified from driving.

Two thousand and seventy two persons were disqualified as a result of convictions for driving while under the influence of drink or drug 915 for driving in a dangerous manner, 736 for driving in a careless manner. 684 for driving while disqualified, 256 for driving at a dangerous speed and 240 for negligent or reckless driving