MOTOR-TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20562, 13 May 1930, Page 8

MOTOR-TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.

What Mr. Voitch says in explanation of the calling of a conference to discuss means to minimise the perils attendant on the large increase of motor traffic needs little argument in support. The risk of accident was bound to increase with the growth of that traffic, and unfortunately the facts show the urgent necessity of .doing something to abate it as far as is possible. Concerning the composition of the conference there may be suggested the desirability of adding representation from the Railway Department, It is true that level-crossing accidents are occasioned, in part, by a special factor not encountered in circumstances where road and rail do not cross; but the subject is so closely related to what Mr. Veitch has in mind, when he speaks of the duties of a Transport Minister, that it could with advantage bo given consideration at the same time. Dealing with motor traffic on the roads, however, it will be found that a very large number of practical questions must be handled before there can be framed a body of workable regulations, and a widely representative personnel is essential to success in that task. What is impressively evident is that all hitherto done to ensure safety on the roads has failed to keep pace with the increase in the need. Common sense dictates that the situation should be faced and faced wisely, in order to lessen risks»without imposing vexatious restrictions. This task the conference should be able to accomplish, and its setting up is to be welcomed as the first step to better things.