21 Road Deaths In April

Northern Advocate, 6 May 1949, Page 3

21 Road Deaths In April

WELLINGTON, Fri. (P.A.)— The Transport Department is to institute immediately a drive against faulty headlights. The Minister of Transport (Mr Hackett) said yesterday that of the fatal traffic accidents in April more than half occurred after dark. “Twenty-one people lost their lives in traffic accidents last month,” the Minister said. "This is an increase of two deaths compared with April last year, and brings the 1949 total to 69 killed.

"Of those killed, 11 were motorists, five pedestrians, four motor-cyclists, and one push-cyclist. “Twelve accidents occurred during the hours of darkness. "Accordingly, I have issued instructions to organise headlight checks throughout the country. ' “Where headlights are found to be defective or incorrectly adjusted, or where a vehicle has a faulty taillamp, traffic-offence notices will be issued.

“Now that the winter is almost here, traffic peaks will be occurring during hours of darkness and every endeavour must be made to combat these additional dangers. “Motorists owe it to themselves to see that their lights arc in good order and correctly adjusted. “Not only does tins avoid the menace of dazzle, but it makes for easier night driving. I would advise all drivers to attend to this richl away.”