TOLL OF THE MOTOR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 May 1939, Page 5

TOLL OF THE MOTOR

SAFETY OF CYCLISTS. REGULATIONS TO BE RIGIDLY ENFORCED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Regarding the months of May, June and July as the worst of the year for cyclist and pedestrian mortality, the Transport Department intends taking measures to enforce rigidly the regulations framed for the safety of cyclists, particularly those requiring them to carry adequate lights, red reflectors of approved pattern, and white rear mudguard. In the winter months, when nights and mornings are dark, roads often greasy and at times sheeted with ice, and when the heaviest traffic occurs at the hours when road conditions are worst, heavy toll is taken of human life; and cyclists, one of the largest classes of road users, are among the most frequent victims. Statistics of accidents to cyclists in the winter months of last year are as follows:—

The totals of casualties in which cyclists were victims in the year ended March 31 of this year were: Killed, 32; seriously injured. 342; slightly injured, 614—nearly 1000 accidents in all. In an effort to cut down the figures this year, all traffic inspectors have been instructed to take action against offenders. ! A national drive is being made, and a number of prosecutions are already being brought.

Killed. Seriously Slightly Injured. Injured. April 4 38 66 May ... . 9 37 71 June 4 33 61 July 2 26 44 Totals . ... 19 134 242