Mr Semple’s Appeal For Road Safely

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1938, Page 7

Mr Semple’s Appeal For Road Safely

[Per Press Association. Copyright .] WELLINGTON. Saturday,

“Twenty-one persons were killed on the roads last month, compared with 28 during May last year," said the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, yesterday. “‘The improvement in road courtesy between drivers of motor vehicles is shown by the fact that during the month there were only two fatal collisions between motor vehicles, and in both these motorcycles were involved. Three motorcyclists were killed during the King’s Birthday week-end.

Menace of Darkness.

‘•Motorists are to be congratulated upon the courtesy shown when danger was apparent.” said Mr Semple. “Tire coming of darkness after the long days of summer, however, created a danger

that was not properly appreciated by any class of road-user. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists did not make due allowance for the decreased visibility in the late afternoon and early evening. What was the result? Thirteen fatal accidents occurred in the dark. “Thirteen of the 21 who died were cyclists or pedestrians. All of the motor-cycle fatalities, live of the eight cyclists’ fatal accidents, and three of the live pedestrian deaths, occurred at niglit time. Darkness came upon most road-users unawares. They went their accustomed way. oblivious to the decreased visibility, cyclists riding without reflectors or lights, pedestrians not keeping to footpaths, motorists not reducing speed when an emergency occurred It was frequently too late to avoid tragedy.

Look Out!

‘The same conditions will prevail for another two months, and rftay be further complicated by winter frosts, sleet or rain. Unless allowance is made for these, especially in built-up areas, the heavy death-roll will continue. “During the month, there was an improvement in the accident rate on the main highways,” continued the Minister. “Built-up areas claimed 15 of the 21 lives lost during May. There were five fatal accidents in the builtup areas of Auckland, four in Palmerston North, and three in Invercargill. On a population basis, the death-rate for the latter city was very high. Cycling Risks. “While there has been improvement In the pedestrian accident rate, compared wnn May last year acci lents to cyclists have not shown the same improvement. The increase in the number of bicycles on the road, and the greater number of cars using the same roads, have substantially increased the cycling risk. ' ’ “There is less excuse now than ever for cyclists riding without lights, red reflectors and white mudguards. The speed of traffic has also increased, and there is a much greater need, especially at night, for cyclists to signal their turns. I hope cyclists during the next month will take these precautions and will look after their own lives. The rate of 'one cyclist killed every four days is far too great.”