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Fatal Accidents
During the year under review, 37 (27 male, 10 female) Enfield residents died
as a result of motor vehicle accidents, and 47 (22 male, 25 female) from other
accidents. In addition, there were 39 (23 male, 16 female) deaths from suicide. A
considerable number of deaths occurred from accidents in the home, mainly
amongst elderly people, and the most common causes were asphyxia due to accidental
coal gas poisoning, barbiturate poisoning, and injuries due to falls which
in several cases led to lung complications.
Most of the cases of suicide were by means of coal gas poisoning or barbiturate
poisoning, although other more violent means were also used.
It is disquieting to note the sum total of human misery recorded in these
paragraphs and to ponder over the fact that so much could and should be avoided.
Road Accidents
I am grateful to the Borough Engineer and Surveyor for the following information
on road accidents occurring within the Borough.
1965 1966
Total number of Accidents 1,859 1,685
Total number of Casualties 2,387 2,206
Fatal 26 34
Serious 423 365
Slight 1,938 1,807
That there should be a 9% reduction in the total number of accidents compared
with last year is especially gratifying in view of the fact that not only has
there been a 6% increase in the number of vehicles licensed in this country during
1966, but also residential development adjoining the Borough has increased the
flow of traffic on the main roads running through the Borough.
A very disturbing feature, however, is an increase of 30% in the number of
fatalities over last year. All occurred on the main roads and over half of the
fatalities were aged between 16 and 20 years or over 60 years — perhaps reflecting
the exuberance of youth and the frailty of the aged.
The 37 fatalities due to road accidents in Table 4, Causes of Death, relate to
residents of the Borough of Enfield, irrespective of where the fatality occurred.
I must repeat my opinion that the real cause of many road accidents is associated
with haste, impatience, selfishness and downright bad manners by all
categories of road users — all factors well within the bounds of prevention.
Inquests
One hundred and twenty-seven inquests and 443 post-mortem examinations
without inquests were held during the year.
Of these, 447 deaths were due to natural causes, 74 to accidental causes, 39 to
suicide, four to misadventure, and in six cases an open verdict was recorded.
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