LAST MONTH'S ROAD DEATHS

Chronicle (Levin), 2 April 1947, Page 5

LAST MONTH'S ROAD DEATHS

AVEI.I.I X'C'L'OX, April 1. Twenty-two deatlis resulted from motor accidents on the xoads of New Zealand during March, areording to reports reeeived I >y the Ti'ansport Dejiartment. This is the highest nionlhly figure since last August when 24 peo jile wore killed. The death ro]] for the first quarter of 11117 was 44 eoinpared with 50 in the iirst tliree months of last year. "Xo fewer than 14 of 22 aecvlents oeeurred after dark and 13 accidents) happened hetween 4 p.m. Saturday and 4 a.m. Suiulay as against nine during the rest of the week," said the Coin niissioner of Transport, Mr. Laurenson, today. "It is thought that lack of see ing ahilitv at niglit due to the dazzlc of headlights, has a great deal to do with Ihe prevalence of night accidents. " Five motor cyclists were killed during the month. Accidents anion; motor cyclists have once more heconn a very serious prohlem. Full particu lars are not yet available as to thc circumstances of all the aceidentwhere these unfortnnate riders were killed but traffic officers are reportini numerous cases of reckless and fool hardy riding by. a considerable Heetion of voung motor cyclists. T am instruc.t ing departmental traffic inspeetors to take to court every case of a flagranl

i I I — — — — w— i ■ n i i n « lireach, to put the facts before th Bench, and to seek the caneellation oi the motor rider's licence where his coti duct has proved him to be a menace oi the road."