ROAD ACCIDENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20422, 12 February 1938, Page 9

ROAD ACCIDENTS

IMPROVED POSITION STILL A TRAGIC TOLL MINISTER’S APPEAL (Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Friday "More than 4 000 persons have been injured in traffic accidents in the last ten months." said the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, when commenting on road accident statistics to-day. "Eighteen persons were killed on the roads last month, six being drivers or passengers who lost their lives when motor vehicles got out of control and crashed off the road. "Five of the eighteen killed last month were bicyclists,” said Mr Semple. "The figures each, month indicate that the cycling accident problem is becoming more serious with the rapid growth of motor traffic. The blame for accidents may be divided, but cyclists will have to realise that they are particularly vulnerable. For their own safety, as well as the safety of others, they will have to appreciate the fact that they are bound lo observe the rules of the road just as much as motorists and other roadusers. Better Motoring Standard "In January, 193(1, there were 18 road fatalities," said the Minister. “In January this year there were also 18 road deaths, although there were 50,000 more vehicles on the road. This is an improvement, but New Zealand can ill afford the loss of 18 citizens and potential citizens every month, apart from the hundreds who are maimed and crippled. “My own observations and reports received from all parts of the country have convinced me that the generalstandard of motoring has shown a considerable improvement in the last 12 months,” observed Mr Semple. "More care, courtesy and consideration are now shown by the majority of road users. It is the dangerous minority that is causing the trouble. I have just examined the statistics, and I find that, month after month, most of the accidents are caused by those who, in spite of repeated advice, appeals, and even warnings, persist in refusing to observe the elementary rules laid down in the Code of the Road. Failing to keep to the left, Including cutting corners, heads the list of accident causes. Next come failure to give way to the vehicle approaching from the right, and general reckless driving. Further, in the last ten months no fewer than 311 persons not holding driving licenses were involved in accidents. A Reckless Minority

"I am going to deal firmly with this menacing minority—these wrong-side drivers, these corner-cutters, and those who apparently belong to the ‘Suicide Club’ or ‘Reckless Brigade,* ** he added. And unlicensed drivers will not escape lhe net either. The traffic officers will continue the work of educating and helping those who may err through ignorance or inexperience. But those who defy the law will have to answer lo the law. "I have arranged for my department to send out definite instructions to its traffic officers to bring before the courts members of this reckless and careless minority before they kill themselves or others more responsible road users.”