ROAD ACCIDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22775, 8 July 1937, Page 12

ROAD ACCIDENTS

25 DEATHS IN JUNE MINISTER STILL CONCERNED OLD PEOPLE AND CHILDREN [BT TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Road accident statistics compiled during Jnne were supplied to-day by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Seniple. These showed that 358 accidents were reported. " These figures cause me grave concern," said the Minister. " When I sco that they involved 447 persons, of whom 25 were killed, 89 seriously injured and 333 slightly injured, I feel that more drastic action is required." Cyclists, Mr. Semple added, figured prominently in many of the accidents, and in the June cases pedestrians figured in 96. " It is evident from the reports," he said, " that in a great number of instances the pedestrian himself was at fault, exercising little care in crossing the highway. There are numerous cases of children running out into the street, oblivious of the dapger from passing traffic. " A striking feature of the pedestrian accidents is the exceedingly large proportion where more elderly men and women were victims. Of 99 pedestrian victims in June, 21 were childrpn and 36 were persons over 50, 10 being over 65. While in many of these instances the pedestrian was, perhaps, legally at fault, the figures seem to indicate that greater care and consideration should be shown by motorists for the less active members of the community and that due allowance should be made for. the irresponsible actions of children." The Minister said he was seeking the co-operation of the Police Department and all traffic authorities in securing much better observance- of the rules of the road and stricter enforcement. He had issued instructions to his traffic staff to watch for offending dazzling lights. He exhorted motorists to observe and act upon the road signs provided for their- benefit.