Accidents On Icy Roads

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31121, 26 July 1966, Page 18

Accidents On Icy Roads

Motorists and cyclists were caught unawares by icy roads yesterday morning and there were dozens of minor accidents. However, no-one was taken to hospital.

A frost of 12deg was recorded at Christchurch Airnort. with 9deg at the Botanic Gardens. About 40 cyclists and motor-cyclists slid in ice and fell from their machines. Power-cyclists seemed particularly prone to sliding.

At least 30 cars slid into each other in all parts of the nttv. Some motorists who took '’inner' comers too fast found themselves sliding right ’round and facing the wav they had come. Others traveling behind slid into them. Many parked cars were damaged. City traffic officers were busy in almost all suburbs attending to accidents and workmen nut metal on the worst roads. Traffic Servant E. J. McJarrow said there seemed to be no end to the accidents in spite of a warning broadcast about 7.30 a m. Drivers used their brakes only to find they had no traction. At traffic liehts manv drivers ran into the car in front Sergeant McJarrow said one of the worst areas was Riccarfon avenue and around the Christchurch Hospital corner. Cambridge terrace and Lake Terrace road were other bad places. a nywhere where there were hich trees or buildings reouired caution, but many road users ignored all indications of danger, said Sergeant McJarrow.