DEATHS ON THE ROAD

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 43, 14 November 1941, Page 8

DEATHS ON THE ROAD

Worst October On Record TWENTY-ONE LIVES LOST “Twenty-one lives were lost on the road between October 1 and October 31, which is nearly twice as many as during October last year, and eight more than October, 1939,” said the Minister of Transport, Mr. Semple, yesterday. He added that the department’s records did not go back beyond 1937, but even the two pre-war years could not equal this total, and it was possible that last month was the worst October for traffic accidents ever experienced iu New Zealand. At any rate, the total of traffic deaths for the month was the highest for any Octobet ou record. The Minister said that Wellington had continued its record as the most dangerous city iu New Zealand for pedestrians, four of whom were killed during October there. Auckland had two fatal accidents, Christchurch two and Nelson one. Pedestrians headed the traffic fatality list of the month with seven killed, closely followed by car passengers six, car drivers three, motor-cyclists three, aud bicyclists two. In oue accident alone, five persons had been killed. “Two main trends are evidenced in the figures,” said the Minister. “The first is the increase in fatalities of all types, and the second is the growing number of pedestrians killed, specially in blackout areas during blackout hours. No fewer than four pedestrians were killed during blackout hours in towns with restricted lighting. "The proclamation of three new headlight restriction areas and several new parking-light areas makes it more than ever important that pedestrians aud cyclists should take greater precautions. Pedestrians should wear something white or carry a torch on auy road at all, at night. It is compulsory for cyclists to have a red.tail light in parking-light areas, aud It would be a wise safety precaution for cyclists to carry such a light in all areas where restricted vehicle lighting applies.”