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"The slight rise in accidents and the small decrease in casualties may not appear
to be very encouraging but these figures must be considered in the light of the
ever-increasing volume of traffic on our roads.
Education, engineering improvements and the new laws which have been
introduced all contribute to reduce the accident toll.
The effect of the Breathalyser tests which played a big part in the reduction
of accidents in 1967 levelled off in 1968 but new legislation regarding the use of
tyres, the use of dipped headlamps in built-up areas and the recent introduction
of the new Highway Code, will, it is felt, help to make the individual more aware
of his or her responsibilities.
Much has been written about the adoption of British Standard Time. This has,
no doubt, had some effect on the accident rate, particularly during the morning rush
hours and has caused concern for children who have to travel in the dark.
It is rather early to draw any firm conclusions on the introduction of British
Standard Time and it will remain to be seen how it may affect accidents during a
full year.
The reduction in adult casualties is most encouraging but it is sadly offset by
the increase of 36 child casualties. Their impulsiveness, particularly at school dismissal
times, is hard to repress. Parked vehicles are also a great danger to the
young and education is continuing on these lines.
Of the fatal casualties, two were children under 15 years. Eight were vehicle
occupants (7 drivers and 1 passenger), 2 were pedal cyclists, 1 motor cyclist, 1 scooter
rider and 1 moped rider; 13 pedestrians".
The 39 fatalities due to road accidents in Table 4, Causes of Death, relate
to residents in the Borough of Enfield, irrespective of where the fatality occurred.
Inquests
One hundred and two inquests and 543 post-mortem examinations without
inquests were held during the year.
In respect of the inquests 63 deaths were due to accidental causes, 33 to suicide,
one to misadventure, and in five cases an open verdict was recorded.
Marriages
The Registrar General reports that the provisional figure for the number of
marriages solemnised in the London Borough of Enfield during the year 1968
was 2,182.
(See Statistical Tables 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
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