ROAD SAFETY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 90, 13 October 1938, Page 10

ROAD SAFETY

NO FATALITIES

EIGHTEEN DAYS'RECORD

"Eighteen days have now passed without a fatal accident on the roads of New Zealand," said the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) today. "This is three times longer than the longest. death-free period previously recorded.

"New Zealand has practically the same population as four of the American States, Florida, Washington, Maryland, and Connecticut," said Mr. Semple. "On the basis of the official returns from January to July of this year, there would have been in an average period of eighteen days, 36 traffic fatalities in Florida, 18 in Washington and Maryland, and 14 in Connecticut. And yet New Zealand has had no fatal accidents during this period. The only Australian State with .approximately the same population as New Zealand is Victoria. On the figures ■for 1936-37, there would have been 21 >poad deatiis in Victoria during an average period of 18 days. If we make a comparison with New South Wales, iwhich has a much larger population, the number of deaths would be even greater. I have the traffic accident figures for only three of the Canadian provinces, none of which has approximately the same population as New Zealand. Ontario, with twice the population; on the latest available figures, would have had 20 deaths during the period.

"New Zealand's road safety achievement in the last 18 days is an extraordinary one. The record is still unbroken, and I appeal to all road-users, as motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians, to take particular care during the next few days. On election ■night there will be tremendous crowds about, and care on the roads will be specially necessary."