Winter Traffic “Blitz” Begins Tomorrow

Press, Volume C, Issue 29516, 18 May 1961, Page 21

Winter Traffic “Blitz” Begins Tomorrow

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 17.

Traffic officers would keep a special lookout for misted windscreens and windows, defective wipers and lights, dirty headlamp glasses, and unsafe tyres, the Minister of Transport <the Hon. J. K. McAlpine) said today, announcing details of this month’s national road safety campaign, which opens on Friday. Mr McAlpine said there would also be a day and night “blitz” on unsafe bicycles. Night checks by traffic officers last month showed that more than 15 per cent, of the vehicles stopped had defective head or tail lights, or no warrant of fitness. Many had dangerous tyres. More than 30 per cent, of the bicycles checked had faulty lights and reflectors, or none at all. "I recommend all vehicle owners to check these points now,” he said. “Too many motor-vehicles and bicycles on the road are still not in a safe condition for winter driving. “The increased dangers at this time of the year will inevitably take their toll un-

less people can be persuaded to heed the hazards ahead.” Speed was the cause of the worst winter accidents. He urged all drivers to reduce speed at night, and in bad weather particularly, and to keep further back from the vehicle in front. Pedestrians were also urged to be wary crossing the roadway. Last winter, 25 of the 88 persons killed were pedestrians.