Appeal for road safety

Press, 24 December 1985, Page 4

Appeal for road safety

PA ’ Wellington The Prime Minister, Mr Lange, yesterday appealed for safety on the roads during the Christmas and New Year period. The year had been an appalling one for road accidents resulting in death, he said.

Christmas was one of the worst times for accidents with celebrations turning to tragedy through injury and death on the roads.

The Ministry of Transport said yesterday that 727 road deaths had been reported so far this year. This compared with 660 at the corresponding time last year. There have been 41 deaths this month, com-

pared with 42 at the same time in December last year. Mr Lange made a plea for all drivers to stay off the roads if they had been drinking and for travellers to plan journeys when they were not tired or in a hurry. “It would be good if for once we could end the year

and start 1986 without the horrific waste of life we hear about year after year,” he said in a special Christmas message. Mr Lange also wished all New Zealanders a safe, enjoyable and peaceful festive season. Although it was tradition-

ally a time for families to be together it could be a very lonely time for many people. Perhaps those celebrating with friends and family could include in their greetings those who were alone during that time, he said.