THE TOLL OF THE ROAD

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 328, 8 January 1937, Page 5

THE TOLL OF THE ROAD

MINISTER’S SURVEY. IMPROVEMENT SHOWN Fewer People Killed Than A Year Ago. Press Association—Copyright. Wellington, Last Night. “Althoug'h I am far from satisfied with the results already obtained from the accident prevention campaign, it is encouraging to observe ithat ifchere has plready been a considerable reduction in the death rate on tlhe roads,” said the Minister of Transport, the Hon R. Semplei, in a statement to-night. “The holiday rush is now over, .and perhaps we can now survey the mass of human wresikage that remains as part of the litter resultant from the celebration of a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

“Perhaps we can congratulate ourselves that this Decem'ber was less deadly than last December, because, according tp the- newspajpers, only 20 persons were killed on the road. Of the 20 -persons kelled, 2 were children Only 97 others were seriously injured. We do not know how many others were not so seriously injured, but we can count another 118 who merely suffered from such discomforts as fractured bones, lacerated faces and mild concussion.” Comparative Figures. | The Minister said that during the first eight months of 1936 160 persons lost their lives, compared with 125 during the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase of 35. Since September, when the prevention campaign began to take effect, each month had shown a reduction in tha deaths compared with the figure for the same months of the previous year. September, 1936, showed eight fewer than September, 1925, Octoiter two fewer, November seven fewer, and Decem'ber four fewer.

“If allowance is made for the increase of about 13 per cent, in the volume of traffic on the road the tally of 75 deaths during September, October, November and December would 'be equivalent to the total for the same four months oif 1935,” said Mr. Semple. “Actually 45 persons have been killed, with the possibility that a few others may yet succumb to injuries. It can fairly be claimed that approximately 30 lives have been saved during thi last four months as a result of the steps already taken.