Britain’s Problem Of Street Deaths

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 792, 12 October 1929, Page 28

Britain’s Problem Of Street Deaths

OVER 6.000 A YEAR MINISTRY'S “HANDS TIED" I How can steady ami appalling : increase in the number of road acci- | dents in England be checked? asks the London “Daily Chronicle.” During the first three mouths of the year 251 persons were killed in 22,416 : London street accidents. Last year | 6,13 S persons were killed in Great 1 Britain, compared with 2.704 in 1920 “The Ministry of Transport car, -T nothing at present,” said an “A certain amount of control might be exercised if the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Transport were adopted, and statutory powers given to the Minister so that he could hold inquiries into the causes of all accidents, and into accidents to public vehicles in particular. “In this way it might be possible to determine the causes of accidents and to make provision, as in the case of the railways. At present the Minister's hands are tied.” An official of the AutomotTe Association pointed out that even a Minis* | try of Transport inquiry into each accident would have very little general value. “It is not possible, as in the case of the railways and aviation, to insist on continual inspection of cars and on tests for ‘read-worthiness/ ” he said. “Motor-cars are too numerous and inspection too costly and cumberous. “Tests for drivers are impracticable. Apart from the fact that a vast army of officials would be required, it is difficult to sec how tests could be applied. The real practical test would be in traffic and under road condij lions. “Where could they ‘try out' a driver i under these conditions? In any event. ! statistics show that remarkably few ; accidents are due to inexperienced drivers. Last year’s percentage was only 1.4 per cent. Tlie danger lies more in over-confidence. The beginner rarely takes risks. “It might be possible to insist that every driver applying for a licence should undergo an examination in the rules and courtesies of the road. Even then, there is no provision for the emergency. “Accidents due to excessive speed are responsible for only 15 per cent, of the accidents. In London 57 per cent, of the fatal accidents occurred at speeds of less than 10 miles an hour. “The improvement of the roads and the education by experience of the pedestrians, who, according to the figures of the Royal Commission, were responsible for over 35 per cent, of last year’s accidents, of the pedal cyclists and of the motorists will all help to reduce the risks. Legislation to deal with the “jay walker” who imperils life .by thoughtless use of the roadway is suggested by the motoring organisations. “Dangerous walking is almost as productive of fatal results as dangerous driving,” said the Royal Commission. “Pedestrians ignore the new dangers.” The commission recommended that anyone applying for a driving licence should be obliged to make a declaration regarding any physical disability. The right of refusal would be vested in the licensing authority.