Fewer road deaths recorded in 1988

Press, 30 December 1988, Page 7

Fewer road deaths recorded in 1988

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington With only two days of 1988 to go the number of road deaths this year — 706 — is 86 fewer than for the same period last year. “If there are no further tragedies we will end with 92 fewer deaths than the 1987 toll of 798,” said the Minister of Transport, Mr Jeffries. “That means about 90 fewer families are suffering the agony of bereavement caused by road crashes, and it is a very hopeful sign that our message is getting across to the driving public. “My message to all drivers is to join me in making the following New Year resolution — I will drive better in 1989,” he said. Deteriorating weather conditions led him to appeal again to drivers to take greater care. The life they saved could be their own. “If we maintain the effort we will

keep the road toll down,” the Minister said. e “The tougher measures introduced - and the extensive education campaign e against drinking-and-driving are beginning to pay dividends.” s The drop in road fatalities was n matched by a fall in the number of r injuries. It would mean more medical attention and hospital beds available for people who required hospitalisaf tion but had to remain on waiting >, lists. r The Minister congratulated the e traffic officers who had made such a great effort to cut the road toll. They t) had given up their Christmas and y New Year holidays so that many r others could stay alive nd free from injury. s “We will be continuing our cam- ) paign against drivers who exceed 1 permissable speed limits, who drive recklessly, and who drink-drive,” he 1 said.