A BAD RECORD

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 152, 26 December 1945, Page 6

A BAD RECORD

MOTOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

In 1944 over 50 per cent, of all pedestrian accidents occurred in either Auckland or Wellington and over onethird of all pedestrian accidents in New Zealand happened within the Auckland metropolitan area, although this area contains only 11 per cent, of the population of the Dominion and only 12 per cent, of the total number of motor vehicles. • ■ ■

"When all types of motor traffic accidents are taken into consideration, the Auckland area has by far the worst record of any centre in New Zealand," states the annual report of the Transport Department. "While the difficulties due to the concentration of population in this area are admittedly considerable, it is evident that more effective measures than have hitherto been applied will be necessary if the present rate of killing and maiming of the population is to be arrested. This country cannot afford the price in human lives which must be met if effective measures are not taken in this district."

There was a slight drop in the number of accidents involving personal injury in New Zealand last year. During the year there were 2097 accidents, which resulted in 140 fatalities and 2667 other persons injured. In 1943. there were 2112 accidents, resulting in 145 killed and 2746 injured.