LEVEL CROSSINGS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1926, Page 6

LEVEL CROSSINGS.

The regrettable accident at Greatford adds one more to the long list of level crossing fatalities which have occurred through untoward circumstances, and in regard to which it has been impossible to fix responsibility upon any offender except those who have themselves perished by reason of their carelessness. The constant occurrence of these distressing accidents cannot fail to impress the community with the necessity for coping with this class of accident. Whatever may be their cause, whether the increase in road transport and the accelerated speed which the motor has brought, whether there is contributory negligence on the part of motor drivers, or whether railway drivers are too prone to demand the right of way which their department can legally claim regardless of consequences, is not the important matter. What is essential is that every effort should be made to eliminate the more dangerous crossings as. quickly as possible, and at the same time to provide all proper precautions where elimination is not yetf practicable. When it is remembered that between Wellington and New Plymouth there arc over 100 level crossings, it will be seen that the chances of early elimination of them all are very small. The realisation that this number of danger spots exists will give an idea also of the strain which is imposed upon the engine-drivers on the railways, a strain which the department is finding a growing one. While elimination is the goal to be aimed at, and towards which the Railway Department, the Main Highways Board and the local authorities concerned should all co-operate, the public must do its part in minimising the danger by careful driving and the recognition that any recklessness on the part of motorists will inevitably entail severe punishment.