ACCIDENT PROBLEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22489, 5 August 1936, Page 10

ACCIDENT PROBLEM

"HIT AtsLD RUN " DRIVERS SYDNEY POLICE CONCERNED [FROM OUR StSSVFN CORRESPONDENT] SYDNEY, July, 31 The Sydney police are concerned at the increase of "hit and rim" motor accidents, in which the drivers responsible for knocking down pedestrians leave their victims on the road and elude police searchers. • The "hit and run" driver is now to he the quarry, not only of police, but also of all motorists' organisations. The general public's aid is also being enlisted to bring this class of offender to book. Last week there were eight of these accidents in the metroplitan area, and two of the victims died from their injuries. The police believe that the majority of these drivers are either using stolen cars or are drunk, and thus have a double reason for driving on after pedestrians are knocked down. Special squads of detectives have been assigned to the inquiries into last week's eight accidents. The entire squad of motor detectives is assisting them, as well as special men detailed for duty from suburban stations. A house-to-house canvass is being conducted, and the police feel confident that they will be able to trace at least some of the drivers concerned. Rewards of £IOO have been offered for information leading to the detection of the drivers involved in the two fatal accidents. Because of the danger of the roads, it has been suggested that a large squad of police should be added to the patrols in an effort to catch "hit and run drivers. The police department has recommended special provision of wireless cars for this work, so that these could quickly be summoned to an area in which an accident has occurreci and a cordon quickly provided. The police are urging the Government to amend the law to provide for more severe punishment for this clasis ° offender. Many car thieves hire .private lock-up garages, and the police are agitating for legislation compiling owners of such garages to inform the po ice immediately one is rented.