SIX LIVES LOST

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22475, 9 January 1943, Page 4

SIX LIVES LOST

Holiday Motor Accidents

“Slackening In Road Courtesies”

'N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 8. Six people lost their lives through motor accidents during the 10 days between Christmas Eve and January 2. The Minister of Transport (the Hon. J. O’Brien) said to-day that while these accidents were not all associated with holiday traffic this toll of life was excessive.

The Minister said that inspectors reported a reduction of civilian traffic over last year. An absence of speeding and general good behaviour on roads was prevalent but the number of accidents showed the need for unceasing care on the part of all users of roads.

From reports received. Mr O’Brien said there appeared to be a definite slackening in the observance of ordinary road courtesies and rules of the road. There was also an increasing tendency to drive carelessly late at nighu and an increase of careless cycling had added to road hazards. He had instructed inspectors to pay particular attention to such cases. Mr O’Brien also urged city traffic staffs to spare no efforts to bring home to offending drivers, cyclists and pedestrians the necessity for proper care and observance of road rules. In spite of reduced vehicle traffic there had been 163 road deaths in 1942—0n1y 12 fewer than in 1941 and this was a reflection of behaviours on the roads.