Fatal road accidents in Otago.

Fatal road accidents which have occurred in Otago between 1971 and 1975 have been studied. The series represents approximately 5% of the national toll. The main purpose of the study has been to analyse background data with a view to discovering causative factors leading to prevention. The study confirms the importance of alcohol, low seat-belt usage, speed, and youth as significant factors. The importance of the driver environment is also highlighted. The analysis shows a low incidence of alcohol among motor cyclists. There were a significant number of pre-school age pedestrian deaths in the series. Only six cyclists were killed in the five-year period.