ROAD ACCIDENTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 159, 7 June 1937, Page 2

ROAD ACCIDENTS.

ALLOCATING THE BLAME. . REVEALING STATISTICS. "WELLINGTON, June 5. “For the pact tew days the newspapers have had striking headlines urawing attention to the shelling of Almeria and the whole world has been shocked. The latest figures available give the casualties as 3(3 killed, 65 wounded, and 100 missing. Our own record of casualties on our roads for 11 weeks compares with these and no one is apparently shocked at all,” said the Minister of Transport (Hon. R. Semple) in releasing yesterday further figures relating to road accidents. In the 11 weeks from March 15, when the statistics were inaugurated, to May 31,- accidents reported by the police and analysed by the Transport Department, numbered 514, involving 701 victims, of whom 32 were killed, 90 seriously injured, and 579 slightly injured. Those figures were deplorable. Detailed tables had been prepared by the department analysing the accidents under various headings, said Mr Semple, and lie did. not propose to deal with those at length. “However,” continued Mr Semple, “there is one table to which 1 wish to draw special attention. By estimating the annual mileages and relating the accidents involving various classes of vehicles to the mileages travelled by the vehicles in eacli class, this table gives a reasonably accurate indication as to the relative hazard due to each class of vehicle. Commercial vehicles, service cars and 1 r.ses show the best record of all vehicles in regard to safety; then comes the private car. The records of the motor-cycle, the rental car and the taxi are, however, most unsatisfactory. I have referred to the motor-cyclist on previous occasions, and would merely state that he is his own worst enemy. POSITION OF TAXIS.

“In regard to taxis, at the present rate at least one taxi in every 12 will become involved in ail accident during the present year. While the figures given do not attempt to assess the blame for the accidents, they afford sufficient indication that steps should be taken to ensure a greater measure oi) compliance with everyday driving requirements on the part of taxi-drivers. 1 have accordingly issued instructions that all traffic authorities be apprised of -the present unsatisfactory position and urged to take disciplinary measures. Taxi men represent a body of experienced professional drivers, who should set an example in safe driving in the same way as do service car and bus drivers. “Although rental cars are 'Comparatively tew in number, this class is shown to represent an-unduly high potential danger on our roads, and special attention is being paid to the conduct of drivers of these vehicles.

UNLICENSED DRIVERS. “Now that copies of the traffic regulations and tho road code have been distributed to all licensed drivers there is no icason why any motorist should fail to be aware not only ui Ins definite obligations and responsibilities. when driving, but also of the courtesy and consideration which he should extend to all iorms ot otliei traffic.” 'the Minister concluded by making reference to tho number ol unlicensed drivers figuring in accidents. No lower than 41 drivers out of a total ol 680 involved were found to-hold no driv-j ing license. “It is incumbent upon jvery'one,” said Mr Semple, “to quality or and obtain a license hoi ore taking -•barge of a motor vehicle. The Government- traffic inspectors will assist local body traffic officers in making a thorough check in regard to this important matter.” TYPES OF VEHICLES COMPARED. The. fable prepared by- the department showing the relative - accident hazard according to type of vehicle gives the following numbers.of vehicles nvolved in accidents per estimated million mi lei -' v - -V ' ■

Moior-cyclcs ............ . C 5 Private ears . 2.4 Commercial vehicles . 1..3 . 4.3 Service ears and buses .. . 1.3 Mental ears . 8.3