Surprise!

Published March 22, 2010 at 9:40 p.m.
Surprise! If you reduce the speed of cars, less people get hurt...
"The safety effects of the 20 mph zones have been enormous for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. In London, serious traffic injuries and fatalities have fallen by 46 percent within the zones, according to the prestigious British Medical Journal. Deaths and serious injuries sustained by children have dropped 50 percent. There's even a small spillover effect, with areas immediately adjacent to 20 mph zones seeing an eight percent reduction in total injuries and deaths. The science is so clear that in 2004 the World Health Organization endorsed 20 mph speeds as an essential strategy to save lives."
Thanks to London Cyclist for the link.
In New Zealand, we just don't 'get this'. You only have to look at the Herald to see story after story of traffic accidents caused by excessive speed - often mixed with alcohol and having children (you can drive at 15yrs in NZ) behind the wheel.
Also, why is there a special 'motoring' section in newspapers? We don't have a special public transport pull-out or a section dedicated to walking and cycling. Is it just that the car industry pays a lot in advertising and you have to have somewhere to put it all? Do countries with strong 'alternative transport' options still have this section?


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