TOLL OF ROAD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22963, 15 February 1938, Page 12

TOLL OF ROAD

HEAVY WEEK-END LIST COMMENT BY MINISTER MOTORISTS' INDIFFERENCE REVISION OF TRAFFIC LAWS [BY TELEGRAPII —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Monday "It can be done and it must bo done," declared the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semplo, to-day, when, after the loss of seven lives through road accidents in New Zealand over tho week-end, he affirmed his resolve to check and to diminish fatal accidents and casualties on the highways. Attacking the "indifference, apathy and ignorance" of car-users, the Minister stated emphatically that the sudden mounting of tho death roll made necessary immediate and stringent revision of an amended Motor Traffic Bill which has been drafted. Strong Measures The news that seven persons had lost their lives was almost disheartening, said the Minister. Everything that he as Minister and the Transport Department could do to minimise risks to road users had been done. They had warned the people; they had tried to bring home to tho reckless driver the need for his being more cautious in the interests of his own life and the lives of others; they had improved the roads; they had improved the law, and they had carried on educational work constantly. "We have used every channel open to us and we have made somo progress," said Mr. Semple, "but this week-end has been nothing short of a tragedy, and the numerous fatal accidents are a pure indication that the law has to be further tightened. Strong measures have got to bo taken and will be taken to minimise this constant slaughter, the major proportion of which is caused, in my opinion, through the indifference, apathy and ignorance of users of cars." Man-Made Blunders A declaration thati he would revise the Motor Traffic Bill already prepared was made by the Minister. In the light of week-end reports revision of its clauses was apparently necessary. The Minister said that the proposed new legislation would be presented to the House during the resumed session.

"Although the tragedies which occurred on the roads this week-end _ are somewhat disheartening," the Minister concluded, "I am still convinced that most are due to man-made blunders and that it is within the scope of human possibility, with the co-operation of the people, to wipe the likelihood of a repetition of the tragedies off the slate. It can be done and it must be done."