Minister's Warning About Faulty Headlights

Chronicle (Levin), 6 May 1949, Page 5

Minister's Warning About Faulty Headlights

WELLINGTON, May 5. The Transport Department is to institnte immediately a Dominion-wide drive against faulty headlights. This was announced today by the Minister of Transport, Mr. Hackett, when he said that, of fatal traffic accidents during April more than half occurred after dark. Twenty-one people lost their lives in traffic accidents last month, he said. This is an increase of two deaths compared with April last year and br'ings the 1949 total of 69 -killed. Of those killed eleven were motorists, five pedestria.ns, four motor cyclists and one push cyelist. Twelve accidents oecurred during the hours of darkness. "Accordingly I have issued instructions to organise . headlight checks throughout the country. Where headlights are found to be "def ective or incorrectly adjusted, or where the vehicle has a°faulty tail lamp, traffic offence notices, will be issued," said Mr. Hackett. "Now that winter is almost here, traffic peaks will be oeeurring during the hours of darkness and every endeavour must be made to eombat these additional dangei*s. Motorists owe it to themselves to see that their lights are in good order and correctiy adjusted. Not only does this avoid the menace of dazzle but it makes for easier night driving. I would advise all drivers to attend to this xight away. ' '