“Irresponsible Minority Causing Accidents”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29505, 5 May 1961, Page 10

“Irresponsible Minority Causing Accidents”

WELLINGTON. May 4 Too many accidents were still being caused by an irresponsible minority of people who continued to abuse their holding of a driver’s licence, said the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) at the meeting. “I know that many accidents are caused by inattention, simple errors of judgment, fatigue, weather conditions and other causes,” he said. ’’But I have been alarmed at the high incidence of speed, alcohol, recklessness, and irresponsibility contained : n the special reports to me on the fatal accidents each month. “Too many of these accidents were caused by that sprinkling of irresponsible drivers who cared little for ‘he danger they brought to innocent persons on the road “Few question the justice of the strict penalties provided for serious crimes,” Mr McAlpine said. “Yet a motorvehicle in wanton hands is more dangerous than mos* weapons carried by thugs and criminals ” Safety Belts Surveying the proposals before the council, the Minister said some of them could be termed long-range invest-

ments for increased road safety. Under this heading were the traffic improvement schools, and the fostering of the widespread use of safety bel’s in mot or-vehicles. These were two safety measures which had been strikingly successful overseas Another safety avenue being explored was driver vision—an important bu’ largely unknown factor in road safety. A further move expected to show results was the special committee set up to formulate a standard test for applicants for driving licences. Review of Limits In an effort to remove unnecessary and irksome restrictions on driving, the Minister said he had asked for a review of 30 miles an hour limits. He felt that many of these limits in partly built-up areas could be better served by limited speed zones. "My contention seems to be borne out by the fact that apart from parking offences the greatest number of 'tickets’ are issued for exceeding 30 miles an hour.” he said Enforcement and publicitv on limited-speed zones would be stepped un so that every driver would know his obligations.