HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 608: 21 March 2012

New helmet law proposed
A new law is proposed requiring safety helmets to be worn

On Tuesday, the Herald spoke with Minister of Police, Hon. Teariki Heather about the many problems that we as a community are facing each day. The major concern is drunk driving. From 2000 to 2011, there were 47 fatal motor vehicle accidents. Out of the 47 fatal accidents, there were 39 that were caused by head injuries. 23 of the 39 motorcycle accidents were alcohol related and the remaining 11 were related to speed. There were 2 tourists that were involved in fatal accidents, one in 2003 and the other in 2007. The majority of accidents involved people within the age group of 16-25 years. Police have reported that the majority of the accidents occur within the hours of 10pm ‘till 5am in the morning, the closing times of pubs. Most accidents are the result of speed and alcohol consumption. Due to the high rates of fatal accidents and major head injuries, government is looking at imposing a law where motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet after the hours of 7pm to 5am in the morning. The trial for the new law will be active as of next year, 2013, but that is yet to be confirmed when parliament sits on the 8th of November. -Ioana Turia

Herald Issue 608 21 March
- Terms of one China Policy document should be reviewed
- Pacific Media Assistance Scheme Seeks Innovation
- Successful NZ visit by PM
- Rerekura Teaurere New Climate Change Coordinator
- News Briefs

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