IRU to COLLATE DATA ON ROAD ACCIDENTS
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BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
NAEMBER associations of IRU are to be requested to prepare statistics of traffic al accidents in their countries with particular reference to the proportion of heavy goods vehicles involved. This information is to be collated by IRU with a view to countering the growing criticisms that heavy lorries play a major part in road accidents. It is the aim of IRU to gather comprehensive data of road accidents throughout Europe showing in detail the classes and numbers of vehicles involved and the causes of accidents. The data is to be studied by the Road Safety Commission under the chairmanship of Dr. Schober who has been charged with the duty of preparing a suitable memorandum on the basis of information submitted.
This was one of the major items decided by the council of direction which met in Geneva on May 12. Further evidence of the more progressive attitude being followed by IRU is the decision to commission two professors (one German and one French) to make a thorough study of the problem of road/rail competition. They will be assisted by a special sub-committee composed of Dr. Heimes (West Germany), MM. Droin and Leblanc (France), Dr. Meyer (West Germany) and the secretary general of IRU. Approval was also given for a study group to visit the USA to investigate at first hand the question of infrastructure costs with a view to producing data to counter the allegations based on the AASHO road tests..
The council noted the arrangements for the Congress of IRU to be held at the Royal Gardens Hotel, Kensington Gardens, London, on June 6-9, 1966. On behalf of the UK delegation it was stated that it was hoped to provide a reception by the Minister of Transport for the delegates and one by the London civic authorities.