TOLL OF THE ROADS

Evening Star, Issue 22881, 12 February 1938, Page 13

TOLL OF THE ROADS

DRIVING STANDARDS IN3PRDVE EOT STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH NO MERCY FOR "MENACING MINORITY" [Special to the ‘ Stak.’] WELLINGTON, February 11. “ More than 4,000 persons have been injured in traffic accidents m the last 10 months,” said the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) when commenting on road accident statistics today. ‘‘Eighteen persons were killed on the roads last month, six being drivers or passengers who lives when motor vehicles got out ot control and crashed off the road. “ Five of the 18 killed last month were cyclists,” said Mr Semple. The figures each month indicate that the cycling accident problem is becoming more serious with the rapid growth ot motor traffic The blame for accidents may be divided, but cyclists will have to realise that they are particularly vulnerable. For their own safety, as well as the safety of others, they will have to appreciate the fact that they are bound to observe the rules of the road just as much as motorists and other road users. “ In January, 1936, there were 10 road fatalities,” the Minister said, in January this year there were also 18 road deaths, although there were 50,000 more vehicles on the road. This is an improvement, but New Zealand can ill afford tli© loss of 18 citizens and potential citizens every month, apart from the hundreds who are maimed and crippled. . , , “ My own observations and reports received from all parts of the country have convinced me that the general standard of motoring has shown a considerable improvement in the last 12 months,” observed Mr Semple. “ More care, courtesy, and consideration is now shown by the majority of road users. It is the dangerous minority that is * causing the trouble. I have just examined the statistics and I find that month after month most of ■ the accidents are caused by those who, in spite of repeated advice, appeals, and even warnings, persist in refusmg_ to observe the elementary rules laid down in the Code of the Road. Failing to keep to the left, including cutting corners, heads the list of accident causes. Next come failure to give way to the vehicle approaching from the right, and general reckless driving. Further, in the last 10 months, no fewer than 311 persons not holding driving licenses were involved in accidents. - , ‘‘l am going to deal firmly with this menacing minority—these wrongside drivers, these corner-cutters, and those who apparently belong to the Suicide Club or the Reckless Brigade,” Mr Semple added. “ And unlicensed drivers will not escape the net either. The traffic officers will continue the work of educating and helping those who may err through ignorance or inexperience, but those who defy the law will have to answer to the law. I have arranged for my department to send out definite instructions to its traffic officers to bring before the courts members of this reckless and careless minority before they kill themselves or other more responsible road users.”