Nelson Evening Mail MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1938 SAFETY FIRST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 28 November 1938, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1938 SAFETY FIRST

DURING the approaching Christmas Season and at the beginning of the New Year there is sure to be a great deal of motor traffic on the roads of New Zealand. In a circular letter issued by the Commissioner of Transport (Mr G. L. Laurenson) it is stated that “during the last Christmas and New Year period, 38 persons were killed and 856 injured (218 seriously) on the roads of New Zealand,” and it is expected that

“this Christmas there will be 25,000 more cars on the roads, and that many of these will be under the control of inexperienced drivers.” The inference is that “the accident risk will therefore be greatly increased.” The view of the Department is that “a large proportion of the tragedies expected on the roads this Christmas can be prevented,” and a special effort will be made next month with the desired end in view. Throughout New Zealand, commencing 4th December, a Road Saftey week will be organised, and arrangements are being made

to that end per medium of the National and Commercial Stations

“for the broadcasting of slogans, dialogues, playlets, and talks throughout this period, and road safety material will also be supplied to the Press.” On the evening of 4th December, the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple (who has been indefatigable, and deserves fullest commendation for his “safety on the road” campaign), will make a special radio appeal with the object of impressing members of the public with the dangers of careless driving and speeding on the roads, and with the necessity there is for the exercise of caution by those using the roads. The Commissioner of Transport (under the direction of the Minister, who is at present in the Nelson district), has forwarded his circular letter to the Mayor of every Borough and to the Chairman of every County Council, and it is suggested “that Boroughs and Counties work together, and that

in each of the larger centres a committee be set up to handle the details.” It is suggested that in preaching on Sunday next, 4th December, the ecclesiastical authorities of all denominations in each centre should mention from the pulpit “the humanitarian aspects of road safety” when delivering the sermons. Those speaking on the radio, on the Sunday in question, will be invited to co-operate. The forthcoming campaign promises to be exceptionally comprehensive and thorough, and the programme devised “calls for the support of all local bodies, automobile associations and clubs, transport organisations, and schools,” and of the general public. To show how serious the situation is, it may be stated that the number of fatalities to 31st March (through motor accidents) in recent years is as follows: 1930, 186; 1931, 247; 1932, 157; 1933, 143; 1934, 135; 1935, 182; 1936, 203; 1937, 213; 1938, 243. Against these figures, it has been pointed out, must be set the larger number of vehicles using the roads. Recently the Commissioner of Transport said that “the present year alone has seen an increase in petrol consumption to the extent of 9 per cent.” There are more motor vehicles on the roads, and the need for the use of care and caution has increased by nearly 1 0 per cent. The remedy seems to lie in an intensified education of the motoring and pedestrian public on the widest possible scale. The fault is not all on one side: drivers of motor vehicles and the general public require to use increased caution. During the Road Safety Week it will be the duty of the organisers and of those in control of traffic to stress the fact that it is on the private individual who uses the roads (in whatever capacity) whether he be motor driver or pedestrian, that the responsibility for using caution rests. Rules and regulations for controlling traffic are well in their way, but the sovereign cure for the high death-rate on our roads seems to be more caution on the part of drivers. Another cause of concern is the increasing number of deaths through drowning. The National Committee of Swimming and Life-saving, set up by the Government, is preparing to start this season’s “Learn to Swim” campaign with the object of teaching at least 75,000 people to swim during the summer months. Investigations have shown that the number of deaths annually from drowning are unwarrantably high, the cause being the inability of so many people to swim. From information obtained by the National Committee referred to, and by kindred bodies, it is ascertained that on an average ”144 people meet their deaths in the Dominion every year through drowning,” and that the figures I would almost double themselves ! if it were not for the praise-worthy work of the life-saving clubs, which last year effected no less ! than 14 1 rescues. Thus, a very I serious situation is disclosed. The remedy is obvious: that there should be a national campaign for the purpose of teaching people to swim. At the same time those who can swim should be taught to assist those who cannot swim, if the latter get into difficulties when they are learning to keep themselves up in thfe water. The task ahead is complex. The teaching of 75,000 people to swim in one season is no small matter, and will require organisation, the careful selection and, in some cases, the instruction of those who are to administer the instruction. As one authority says, “People must be taught to swim so that they can look after themselves in the water and help others who may get into difficulties.” At a recent conference between the swimming and lif-saving associations and the Minister of Internal Affairs a comprehensive scheme was framed and adopted for the purpose of effecting “a rapid extension in the teaching of swimming especially among school children.” It is pointed out that from its value as a means of saving life, swimming exercises practically all the muscles of the body without jarring any of them, and apart from its life-saving efficacy “should, play a prominent part in the physical improvement of the people under the Physical Welfare Act.” So that at the present time there are two important matters to which the people of New Zealand can direct their attention with advantage, the first of which is that there should be greater care exercised by those who drive motor vehicles on the roads, and the second is that those who indulge in the pleasure of bathing, whether in the sea or in fresh

water, should learn to swim. As announced last week, acting under the guidance of their Mayor the citizens of Nelson are making plans for holding a “Road Safety Week.” This city which, in the days since it was founded nearly a century ago, has set the example to New Zealand in many important matters of public interest, will not be behindhand in grappling with the important problems which have been touched on in this article.