MOTOR-CYCLE ACCIDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22210, 10 September 1935, Page 12

MOTOR-CYCLE ACCIDENTS

CRASH HELMETS SUGGESTED AUCKLAND CORONER'S OPINION " It should bo compulsory for all motor-cyclists to wear crash helmets of some sort," said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., coroner, in opening an inquest yesterday into the death of William Walker, aged 18, an apprentice bootmaker, of 10.'3 Asquith Avenue, Mount Albert, who suffered fatal injuries when tho motor-cycle he was riding collided with a motor-truck in Great North Road, Point Chevalier, on Friday night. After evidence of identification was taken, tho inquest was adjourned. The opinion that suitable crash helmets would minimise tho risk of injury to motor-cyclists was expressed by the coroner, in the majority of accidents with these machines the injuries suffered by the rulers were chiefly head injuries, he said. Many motor-cyclists wore no headgear of any sort, and if the provision of crash helmets was mado compulsory he considered great benefit would result.

SUGGESTION SUPPORTED LOCAL RIDKRS' VIEWS The suggestion by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., coroner, that motor-cyclists should wear some form of crash helmet to lessen the clanger of head injuries in accidents was endorsed by several local motor-cyclists. They said that a number of riders wore ordinary leather helmets, which could probably be adapted to incorporate a small cap similar to the type worn by jockeys. There was no doubt that tiie head was a most vulnerable point and should be protected.