PEDESTRIAN RIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1929, Page 5

PEDESTRIAN RIGHT

CORONER’S STATEMENT,

I (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, August 17

An inquest was held yesterday .regarding the (lentil of Mrs Florence Alton, through being- struck by a motor-car driven by Frederick C. baser, near Akatarawa Junction on ihe main road, Upper Mutt. Evidence was given by Robert Anderson that baser’,s car was passing that of witness at the time, and the visibility was bad, it being neither daylight nor dark. Deceased’s sister stated that, seeing the .lights of what appeared to bo several cars travelling abreast, she and thq deceased stood still for fear of being run over. The deceased was wheeling a bicycle, which was not lighted.

Constable Joss said that Fuser had made a statement to him in which lie was sure that the bicycle was being wheeled on the- bitumen, and that at least one woman was on the bitumen. Coroner Barton said that in view off the evidence h'e did not think it necessary for Faser to give evidence. He had no difficulty in returning his verdict. It was that the deceased was killed on the Main North Road, near Upper Hult, by injuries received in a colli son between her and a motorcar driven by Faser. He added: “That is my complete , finding on all the points that are raised by the evidence given before me at this inquiry; but speaking of the general 'application of wlint I deem to be an elementary principle of law, I think, it riH- j and necessary to add a rider that may act for the protection of the public. It is that pedestrians have the right to the use of the roads, including, the bitumen portion of the roads; Mid especially in the country districts, where there are no footpaths, they must be taken into account as persons reasonably likely to be there.”