DEATHS ON ROAD

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21136, 8 September 1938, Page 5

DEATHS ON ROAD

FIFTEEN LAST MONTH By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, September 7. Figures relating to fatal road accidents in New Zealand last month were released to-day by the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple). He said that fifteen persons were killed on the roads last month, compared with eighteen for the corresponding month last year. There had been a distinct improvement in the accident rate in the rural areas controlled by the Transport Department. In August, 1937, twelve persons had lost their lives in rural areas, and six in built-up areas. Last month, fatalities outside cities and main towns dropped from twelve to three. The number of accidents in built-up areas, however, increased from six to twelve. The Wellington Metropolitan area led, with four fatalities. There were two fatal accidents cr.ch in Christchurch and Dunedin, and one in Auckland. There had apparently been an improvement in the standard of conduct of drivers, added the Minister. Fatalities involving young drivers and passengers had dropped from eleven in August last year, to four last month.

Pedestrians, however, had not shown the same improvement in the standard of care. There had been six pedestrian fatalities last month compared with three during the previous August. Of the six killed, four had lost their lives at night-time.