ROAD ACCIDENTS ANALYSED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23691, 24 December 1938, Page 13

ROAD ACCIDENTS ANALYSED

More road accidents occurred on straight stretches than at danger points on country roads in Surrey last year, according to Mr W. P. Robinson, the county engineer, in his third annual report on fatal accidents in the Surrey County Constabulary area. In 1937 there were 4865 accidents, resulting in 88 deaths and injuries to 2719. Points from the report are:—On steep hills, severe bends, and cross-roads, only a small percentage of accidents occurred. On straight sections, where visibility normally is good, 49 per cent, took place. Of the killed, 69 per cent, were pedestrians, motor cyclists, or

pedal cyclists. No fewer than 83 per cent, of accidents occurred during clear weather. Errors of judgment or faults of vehicle drivers and pedestrians were blamed by the police for 87.22 per cent, of the fatal accidents. Pedestrians Were blamed for causing 20 accidents, in six cases by running into the road, though in all these cases footpaths were available. To reduce such accidents, Mr Robinson suggests footway fencing. Week-ends were the most dangerous periods, 20.9 per cent, of accidents occurring on Saturdays. The percentage in the summer was 27.9.