THE TOLL OF THE MOTOR.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 7 September 1937, Page 4

THE TOLL OF THE MOTOR.

In the Hon. R. Semple’s latest review concerning motor car accidents in New Zealand, and which is published in to-day’s issue, the Minister states that 92 New Zealanders had been killed and 1895 injured in road accidents reported during the 24 weeks ended 31st August last. At this rate the casualties for the full year will exceed 4000; as the Minister states, the only word for this condition of affairs is “tragic.” While the position is slightly better than for the corresponding period last year, it calls for a thorough overhaul of the regulations relating to the driving of motor cars on public roads. It demands that the orgy of speeding and reckless driving should be stopped; that severe punishment in the shape of stiff terms in prison should be imposed on motorists who are responsible for motor accidents through drunkenness or negligent driving. The public of New Zealand are still waiting for such bodies as Automobile Associations to take the lead in a vigorous campaign to make the roads safer. While it is quite right to insist that pedestrians be made to exercise care in crossing a street —this is absolutely necessary in view of the type of motor driving that is too frequently to be seen in the streets —the lesson to be driven home to the motorist is to drive carefully, and less selfishly, as is too often the case to-day.