ROAD DEATHS HEAVY

Chronicle (Levin), 8 May 1948, Page 4

ROAD DEATHS HEAVY

f • i fflinister Stresses Danger At Level Crossings, ' "Fifteen people were killed in fraffic- aocidents. during Apnl," said the Minister of Transport, Mr. F. Hackett, m a stafement to the Press. "This now brings the total -road 'deaths for the first four months of 1948 to 62, a reduption of eight over the same period last year." . ■ One cycfist, one rnotor-cyclist and one pillion-riaer were killed, three pedestrians. rec.eived fatal injuries. when motor-vehicles col-lide-d with them, and there were nine oecupants. of' mo.tor-vehicles killed. Only five of the fourteen accidents. occurred; during the hours; of darkness.. "I want to tell you something of an accident which occurred during the month," sard the Minisi ter-. "Ihe day was fine and a inotor-truck with a driver and | two passengers. in the cab approached a railway crossing. Visibifity along the line was good in both directions. To go over the line they had. to go up a slight grade ahd the tr-uek was - going slowly in second gear. Despite this, howevef, the vehi.cle stalied on the line an.d was struck by the traih. Perhaps the driver did not see the train approaching or it jmay be h.e 'thought he had time to 1 get across. That we shall never know for he was. killed ihstantly. A f-ellow- passenger died next day from injuries- received and' the third occup.ant was seriousiy injured-. ' "Despxto the many repeated warnings which have been given of the dangers assoeiated with level Grossings, some m.o toriets stfil s.eeni to, take unnecessary risks. In fact ioyer the l&Sf three- years there ;have been no fewer than 40 fatal ,accjdents at level crossings."' ] -©nce again, I would draw the attenhon Qf all motorists . to., tne jVery feal dang'e'r'S'5 at. 'su£fi "c^ossjings,"' he concluded. "Whenever ]you see the- cross-arm sign of a. raj'lway- crossing, take especial' 'bare. 'If necessary coma to a full sto.R and;,. only- after- you have made sure the line is clear, is' it saffe to. cross." ■