HC Deb 27 January 1942 vol 377 cc564-5
73. Captain Duncan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will make a statement concerning the progress of the campaign against road accidents now being undertaken by his Department?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Colonel Llewellin)

Action has been taken under each of the heads recommended in the White Paper on road accidents issued on nth November, and I am glad to say that during the last four months of 1941 there were over 900 fewer fatal accidents than in the corresponding months of 1940—a reduction of nearly 21 per cent. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a summary of the many activities being carried on throughout the country to promote safety on the roads.

Captain Duncan

How long was the special campaign continued?

Colonel Llewellin

It is being continued until the end of February.

Sir W. Davison

Do statistics show what is the usual cause of accidents? Is it generally the carelessness of pedestrians or otherwise?

Colonel Llewellin

All road users are to blame. There is quite a number of cases of carelessness on the part of pedestrians, of motorists, and of cyclists.