SAFER ROADS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22498, 16 February 1935, Page 14

SAFER ROADS

AN OFFICIAL QUESTIONNAIRE • ACCIDENTS TO BE ANALYSED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, January 12. A new line of inquiry is about to be undertaken by the Minister of Transport, in co-operation with the police authorities, into the causes of fatal road accidents. Its object is to obtain information which will form the basis of further safety measures. Amongst the particulars asked for will be: Age of cars involved in accidents:; Age and sex of drivers; Conduct of cyclists and drivers at pedestrian crossings; Character, width, and condition of roads; Mechanical defects, such as defective brakes and worn tyres. It is proposed to make public from time to time the more important facts revealed by the investigation. Meanwhile, according to the Ministry s returns, the number of road fatalities shows a marked reduction. The deaths during the week ended January 5 were 29 fewer than in ■ the preceding seven days, while the number of injured was down by 91. The total of injured, 3769, is the lowest recorded since March last. A feature of the present returns is that for the first time the figures for pedestrians are separated from deaths of motorists and other drivers. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS. When an accident occurs at a marked pedestrian crossing-place the chief constable is asked to indicate this, and also to state whether the driver or cyclist involved failed to stop i at the crossing. If an accident occurs within 50 yards of an available crossing-place, subway or refuge, this will be stated. Where a local or general speed limit is in operation this will be shown. Under the heading “ Direction or course of vehicle,” information will be furnished on the following among other points: Not slowing down at pedestrian cross-ing-place; Emerging from minor road into major road; turning to right (or left); Roads of equal importance; turning to right (or left). Where a driver is reported to have been fatigued, details of the hours of driving are required. “ Causes contributory to the accident ” include such items as failing to reduce speed sufficiently when dazzled by headlights of on-coming vehicle.