TERRIBLE TOTAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 132, 5 June 1937, Page 10

TERRIBLE TOTAL

ROAD ACCIDENTS

MOTOR-CYCLES AND

TAXIS

RULES IGNORED

• A statement made by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, last evening again calls attention to the far too high rate of accident on New Zealand roads. During the eleven weeks ended May 31 32 people were killed and 669 were injured in 514 road accidents. The main causes were breaches of common driving rules,. The Minister remarked particularly upon the fact that motor-cycles and taxi cars were involved in accidents in unduly high proportion. "From March.'ls, when the statistics were inaugurated,-to May 31," said the Minister, "514 accidents were reported by the police and analysed by the Transport Department. Although there is not yet sufficient information available on which to base conclusions covering all aspects of the problem, there are certain facts upon which I wish to comment. "The 514 accidents reported for the eleven weeks have accounted for a total of 701 victims, of whom 32 were killed, 90 seriously injured,' and 579 slightly injured. These figures are deplorable. For the past few days the newspapers have had striking headlines drawing attention to the shelling of Almeria and the whole world has been shocked. The latest figures available give the casualties as 36 killed, 65 wounded, and 100 missing. Our own record of casualties on our roads for eleven weeks compares with these and no one is apparently shocked at all. "Tables prepared by the Transport Department indicate that the same elementary factors which I commented upon last month are still evident as the main causes of accident. Too many drivers fail to observe the right-hand rule, too many neglect to keep to the left, and there are still too many cases of excessive speed and cutting in. "However," continued Mr. Semple, "there is one table to which I wish to draw special attention. By estimating the annual milages and relating the accidents involving various classes of vehicles to the milages travelled by the vehicles in each class, this. table gives a reasonably accurate indication ■as to the relative hazard due to each class of vehicle. Commercial vehicles, service cars, and buses show the best record of all vehicles in regard to safety; then comes the private car. UNSATISFACTORY RECORDS. "The records of the motor-cycle, the rental car, and the taxi are, however, most unsatisfactory. I have referred to the motor-cyclist on previous occasions and would merely state that he is.his own worst enem3'. "In regard to taxis," said the Minister, "at the present rate at least one taxi in' every twelve will become involved in an accident during the present year. While the figures given do not attempt to assess the blame for the accidents, they afford sufficient indication that steps should be taken.to ensure a greater measure of compliance, with. everyday driving "requirements on the part of taxi drivers. "I have accordingly issued instructions that all traffic authorities be apprised of the present unsatisfactory position and urged to take disciplinary measures. Taxi men represent a body of experienced professional drivers who should set an example in safe driving in the same way as do service car and bus drivers. "Although rental cars are comparatively few in number, this class is shown to represent an unduly high potential danger 'on our roads and especial' attention is being paid to the conduct of drivers of these vehicles. : REGULATIONS AND ROAD CODE. "Now that copies of the traffic regulations and the road code have been distributed to all licensed drivers there is no. reason why any motorist should fail to be aware not only of his definite obligations and responsibilities when driving, but also of the courtesy and consideration which he should extend to all forms of other traffic, whether motor traffic, cyclists, or pedestrians. I am determined to use every means in my power to achieve a universal understanding of these responsibilities, and I again appeal to, all road users to observe the golden rule of the road—Care and Consideration for Others—otherwise we may continue our efforts to remove road, hazards and continue to insist on a high mechanical standard for vehicles without effecting any appreciable ". improvement in the present toll of the road."

The Minister concluded by making reference to the number of unlicensed drivers figuring in accidents. No less than 41 drivers out of a total of 680 involved were found to hold no driving licence. "It is incumbent upon everyone," said Mr. Semple, "to qualify for and obtain a licence before taking charge of a motor vehicle. The Government traffic inspectors will assist local body traffic officers in making a thorough check in regard to this important matter."