SAFETY OF THE STREETS

Evening Post, Volume xciv, Issue 73, 24 September 1917, Page 6

SAFETY OF THE STREETS

Replying to a question in Parliament last week, the Hon. A. L. Herdman said that he would have strict enquiries made by the police with reference to the regulation. of the speed of motor traffic in Wellington. When the officers of the Department are preparing their report on this matter it is to be. hoped that they will not confine their attention to the main streets, but will observe the conduct of motorists in the thoroughfares which, though less frequented by the general public, are in everyday use by children proceeding to or coming from school. On the distressing fatality which led to the question in Parliament we do not wish to comment. It has already been the subject of enquiry, but attention should be directed to the remarks of the Coroner, " Since the advent of these fast methods of travelling the standard of care that must be observed by all pedestrians has been increased, and more particularly applies to drivers of cars. ■ These cars have very high, power. They are capable of doing great damage, and they should be kept in the strictest control at all times.' I should^ say, too, with these methods of traction it is unsafe for children of tender years to be on the streets unattended." The, Coroner's remark that children of tender years,should not be on the streets unattended is a sound precept, but to many people, and especially those working | mothers whose household duties leave them little spare.time, its practice is impossible. Children must attend school at an early age, and there are not always older children or leisured adults to see them safely home. The little ones, j despite all teaching to the contrary, are apt to stray from the safe region of the footpath, and then become the victim of some mad motorist. In streets leading to the public schools there is the greatest need for caution, and in some cases it is there that caution is least in evidence. People who often have occasion to walk along Wellington-terrace will be able to testify to the recklessness with which many motorists tear down this "switch-, back," though the main city avenue to the Terrace School is in this locality. Urgency of public or- private business cannot be pleaded as a reason for speeding, for doctors, who have the best excuse, are generally the most careful drivers. In the main city streets the traffic is well controlled—the work of the police and corporation inspectors is well done; but in the less important thoroughfares the apparent immunity from prosecution makes offenders bold. If the police or corporation inspectors were to patrol these thoroughfares occasionally .it would no doubt have a most salutary effect. Parents and teachers, on their part, might well instruct children specially upon the rules for safety in crossing the road. It .would also be well to place "safety " notices at roads leading to the public schools. The public who have the interests of the little ones at heart may assist further by reporting to the police ■or the corporation cases of reckless driving which come under their observation. Thus a greater respect for the pubKc safety may be enforced upon, the users of the public streets.