SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26542, 18 August 1947, Page 4

SAFETY CAMPAIGN

MINISTER’S MESSAGE ALL TO CO-OPERATE “ This is not just a publicity campaign. It is an urgent appeal to you to consider the lives of your fellow citizens that they may not be lost or jeopardised through negligence or the taking of unnecessary risks on our streets and highways. Your full cooperation is required to assure its complete success.” This message from the Minister of Transport, Mr O Brien, was broadcast last night to mark the inauguration of a Dominion-wide road safety campaign conducted by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Mr O’Brien’s message stated that, m spite of the fact that 190 people were killed on the roads of the Dominion last year, New Zealand’s death rate from motor accidents was actually on the decline. A comparison showed that New Zealand’s death rate was the lowest in the world. In 1946 there were 17.4 deaths per 10,000 motor vehicles in Great Britain, while the figure in New Zealand was 6.1 per cent. Mr O’Brien's statement urged motorists to be sure that their cans were in good repair and that they drove with all possible care. Pedestrians were asked to observe the rules laid down for their protection and guidance. All people were advised to acquaint themselves with every phase of the campaign and to cooperate to make it a success.