Defective Brakes Blamed For Motor-Car Fatality.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18786, 15 June 1929, Page 1

Defective Brakes Blamed For Motor-Car Fatality.

CORONER STRESSES NEED FOR INSPECTION OF ALL VEHICLES USING ROADS.

THE necessity, in the interests of public safety, for the regular inspection of motor vehicles was emphasised this morning by Mr E. C. Levvey, Coroner, at the conclusion of the adjourned inquest into the death of George Claydon, who was struck by a motor-car in Manchester Street near the Clock Tower on May 31, and subsequently died.

Mr Levvey said The condition of this vehicle points strongly to the necessity for some system for the exercise of the regulations regarding the supervision and inspection of motor-cars travelling on the highway. Had an inspection been made in this case there is small doubt that the fatality would have been averted or the effects of the accident greatly minimised.” Dr T. L. Crooke, in giving medical evidence, stated that he had conducted a post mortem, examination on the body. There were numerous abrasions on the head and legs. One rib on the left side and seven on the right side were fractured. The right lung was

perforated and the liver was badly ruptured. In his opinion death was due to the rupture of the liver, internal haemorrhage and shock. The injuries were consistent with a heavy vehicle such as a motor-car passing over the body. The Coroner found that was due to severe internal injuries, these being sustained through Claydon being knocked down by a motor-car driven by John Hancock. Detective Laugeson, who gave evidence when the inquiry was opened, testified that the brakes on the motorcar were not working well. He considered their lack of efficiency to be a danger.