MOTOR TRAFFIC

Grey River Argus, 12 August 1935, Page 5

MOTOR TRAFFIC

THE MORTALITY IN BRITAIN. (Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.) RUGBY, August 8. Figures have been issued by the Ministry of Transport analysing the 1500 fatal road accidents which occurred in the first part of this year. The analysis is based on police reports. The sole or main causes to iwhieh accidents were attributed were.— Per cent. Errors of drivers 25.1 Errors of pedal cyclists 15.9 Errors of pedestrians 49.1 Faults in vehicles or equipment 3.7 Road conditions -5 Animals 1-0 Other clauses 5.7 Of tie pedestrians killed. 85.1 per cent, were themselves the sole or main cause of the accidents resulting in their death. Of the persons killed in accidents, 55.9 per cent, were pedes20.2 per cent, cyclists. 12.9 per cent, motor cyclists, 6.2 per cent, passengers. and 4.8 per cent, drivers. Of the pedestrians killed, 30.2 per cent, were under 15 years of age, and 49.4 per cent, more than 55 years of age. Of the fatal accidents reviewed, 3U.4 per cent, occurred on cross-roads or road junctions, and 6.2 per cent, on straight roads or bends with a good sight line. The worst period of the day for accidents is between 5 and 6 o’clock in the evening. Statistics issued by the Society ot Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a great expansion in the British motor industry. As it gives work to nearly 1.250,000 people in the manufacture. sale, repair and operation of motor vehicles, the industry claims to rank second only to the distributive trades as the largest employer of labour.

The output of new motor vehicles has shown a remarkable recovery from the depression period,, reaching a •total of 342.499 in 1934 against 146,600 ten year s earlier, and 238,805 in 1929. the peak year before the crisis. The total value of exports of motor vehicles last more than £14,250,000.

It is claimed that though the reduction of 5s a horse-power in the tax on private cars came into effect in January, the Exchequer has already been reimbursed for the sacrifice by an increase in the number of cars maintained in use during the winter months.