MOTOR ACCIDENTS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 124, 20 May 1932, Page 8

MOTOR ACCIDENTS

QUESTION OF LIABILITY IN CASE FREE RIDES The Minister in charge of the State Fire Insurance Department, the Hon. Sir A. T. Ngata, has replied to the resolution of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union that “any person accepting a free ride in another person’s car shall do so only at his or her own risk without any liability on the owner of the car.” The union asked if it was possible to incorporate the principle in legislation. '

The AEinistcr replied: “I have to say that liability arises only when injury is caused through negligence, and an amendment eliminating liability for damages to passengers where negligence on the part of the driver has occurred, would be inconsistent with tho general principle of common law and would, be impracticable. I may add that it would bo competent for a driver of a car to contract himself out of liability for damages to passengers on account of his negligence by agreement, with any person to whom he proposes to give a free ride.”

SHARING EXPENSES

(Per Press Association) NAPIER, Last Night

Air Aliller, S.AI., to-day held that it was illegal for car owners to carry passengers who agreed to “share expenses,’’ and a fine of £l, with costs 10, was inflicted.