Boy’s death may lead to skateboard curbs

Press, 9 May 1979, Page 3

Boy’s death may lead to skateboard curbs

PA Wellington The death of a boy, aged five, on a skateboard has prompted Ministry of Transport officers to reconsider introducing regulations controlling the use of skateboards on roads.

Ministry officers and legal advisers have been giving urgent study to the skateboard problem since the Titahi Bay boy’s death in February, and another skateboard death at Auckland. A Ministry spokesman said yesterday it was hoped that a decision on regulations could be made within a month.

Dennis. Evans, a rigger, of Titahi Bay, yesterday des-

cribed how the boy. Jemal Higgison, died. Giving evidence in the Wellington Coroner’s Court, Mr Evans said he was driving along Dimock Street, Titahi Bay, about 10.30 a.m. on February 3 when he saw a young boy riding a skateboard down Moult Street. Mr Evans said that when he reached the intersection of Moult Street and Dimock Street, “suddenly he came off the footpath, down a ramp on to the roadway directly in front of me. “I braked immediately and swerved at the same time but could not prevent a collision,” Another witness, Barry

Wayne Hawkins, said he did not consider Mr Evans had been speeding. The boy died later from head injuries, the Coroner (Mr A. D. McGregor) found. He said it was sad to see-a young boy die in such a way.

Skateboarding was a skilled and interesting activity but one which should not be indulged on a public thoroughfare, the Coroner said. However, as means of controlling skateboarding on roads was already being investigated by the appropriate auhorities, he did not see the need for further comment, he said.