206 Killed On Roads In Dominion In 1947

Northern Advocate, 7 January 1948, Page 4

206 Killed On Roads In Dominion In 1947

WELLINGTON, Wed. (Sp.)—Road deaths in 1947 totalled 206, said the Minister of Transport (Mr Hackett) yesterday. _ More than half of those killed were occupants of motor vehicles, 30 others were riders of motor cycles, 21 were cyclists, and 48 were pedestrians.

In 1946 there were 191 deaths, com - prising 84 occupants of motors, 24 motor-cyclists or pillion riders, 23 cjclists, 57 pedestrians and three others.

Although the number of deaths in 1947 exceeded the total.killed by motor vehicles during the previous year, motor vehicle usage had exceeded that of 1946 to an even greater extent, said the Minister. In fact, the motor vehicle mileage of the Dominion in 1947 constituted a record, exceeding the previous peak year,‘l939, by about 12 per cent. On the other hand, traffic deaths were 17 per cent lower than in 1939, when 248 people were killed. "I do not wish to minimise the hazards associated with road traffic, - ’ said Mr Hackett, “but, to those who claim that the standard of driving and road conduct has deteriorated, I would say that the only true test of this is the accident trend. “Nevertheless, there is no cause for complacency or for letting-up in our efforts to improve the standard of driving and use of the road.

“During 1948 further steps will be considered with a view to promoting safety on the road. “I have already ordered a review of the traffic laws, and I am sure that the deliberations of the reconstituted Road Safety Council will point the way to other helpful measures which can be taken.”