MOTORING ACCIDENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 24, 28 December 1925, Page 6

MOTORING ACCIDENT.

BRAKES FAIL TO ACT

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED

As a result of the failure of the brakes of a motor car when descending the difficult Belvedere road, Kilbirnie, early last evening, David Robinson, the driver of the car, is lying seriously injured at the public hospital in 'Wellington. The accident, which' is the most serious of a number of traffic misfortunes on that particular road, is causing much concern among the residents, many of whom had no hesitation in giving their names in a vigorous demand that something be done immediately to put the road in proper order (states the Dominion). ‘‘lt is nothing but a death-trap,” said one resident last night. It appears that the driver of the car, David McKay Robinson, had carried his fares to their destination. When descending Belvedere road, which is generally regarded by motorists as a treacherous one to negotiate on account of its steepness, sharp bends and bad surface, ho found that his car was not answering too satisfactorily to the application of the brakes. Gathering speed as he proceeded down towards Evans Bay, Robinson was able to keep his car under control until reaching the last bend, which is extremely steep and dangerous, even for the most experienced driver. Finding that the hill at the bend was too steep to allow the brakes to hold the car, ho saw that there was a likelihood of going over the bank and, choosing what he considered the only alternative, he steered the car into the bank. The car immediately capsized and Robinson was pinned beneath the heavy vehicle and lost consciousness.

Mr Young and a son of Mr Rickard, both residents in the locality, were first on the scene and managed to extricate the victim. The ambulance was commissioned and an interim examination made by a doctor, who recognised the case as one needing immediate medical attention. Bobinson was removed to the hospital shortly after tho accident, which happened at about 7 p.m., and it was found that he had fractured a collarbone, as wel las injuring several ribs and also one lung.