22
Wednesday, January 3, 1973
Failure to comply with such a demand will be an offence carrying a
maximum fine of $2,000 and six months imprisonment.
The Bill also provides that such a signed statement given by an accused
person will be admissible against that person as prima facie evidence that
the accused was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offence.
Formerly, such a statement was only admissible if it were made
and signed by the registered owner of the vehicle and it was the owner
who was accused of the alleged offence.
On the introduction of legislation to make the wearing of crash
helmets compulsory for motorcyclists and their passengers, the Financial
Secretary said this was considered necessary because recently "the number
of serious motorcycle accidents has continued to increase."
Further evidence, he added, had been accumulated "to show that
fatalities are largely caused by head injuries and that the absence of a crash
helmet is thus a major factor involved."
Mr. Haddon-Cave said the Government was also considering other
measures to improve the safety of those using the roads, such as the compulsory
wearing of safety belts by those travelling in passenger cars.
H
/23 ..