Motor-cycle toll doubles

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33062, 1 November 1972, Page 1

Motor-cycle toll doubles

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 31. The number of motor-cyclists and pillion riders who had died in traffic accidents had almost doubled, the Minister of Transport (Mr Gordon) said today.

So far this year, 61 had died, almost double the number for the first nine months of last year, he said in a statement.

"More than half of these people were not wearing safety helmets at the time of their accidents, and it is likely that at least 15 would have been alive today had they been wearing them,” Mr Gordon said.

“Because of the speeds they can. travel, and the scant protection they receive from their vehicles, motor-cyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents.

"The best protection they can give themselves is a safety helmet, and adequate protective clothing," he said. While there was no legal requirement for helmets to be used at speeds of less than 30 m.p.h., riders and pillion passengers would be foolish to ignore their proven lifesaving abilities, the Minister said.

“With the mounting death toll this year, I would strongly urge all riders, whatever their intended speed, to fasten their helmets every time they start their machines,” he said.

Mr Gordon said helmets must be securely fastened, and the use of damaged, illfitting or insecure helmets should be avoided "at all costs.”

“Pillion passengers should keep off the bike unless they too are wearing helmets and have them properly fastened.'*