TOLL OF MOTORS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23083, 7 July 1938, Page 18

TOLL OF MOTORS

ROAD FATALITIES MOST OCCUR AT NIGHT 22 'DEATHS IN JUNE INCREASE IN URBAN AREAS [BT TELEGRAPH —rRESS association] "WELLINGTON, Wednesday Fatal road accidents in rural areas again showed a substantial redaction last month, said the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, to-day, but this was more than offset by an increase in traffic fatalities in urban areas. Fatalities in areas under the Transport Department's control were reduced from 15' in June, "1937, to eight. In cities and boroughs, however, fatal accidents increased from five to 14. Wellington and Hutt Valley led with five deaths on rural roads. Twice as many people were killed during darkness as during the" day. Four pedestrians were involved in fatal accidents, all at night time. Threo cars and one motor-cyclc ran off a road, and two struck telegraph poles, all with fatal results during darkness. Motorcyclists headed the fatal accident roll with six deaths. Four bicyclists were killed. The conclusion to be drawn from both May and June, said the Minister, was that greater care must be taken at night. This applied to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as motorists. The risk of carelessness was especially great in built-up areas at night time when it was raining.