The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-06-30
MISHAPS ARE RARE
Accidents Caused BY Automobiles in
Minneapolis Almost Unknown
Chauffeurs Careful.
Automobile Club Addresses a Word
Of Caution to Drivers Of
Machines.

s The fact that no fatal accidents, and
few accidents Of any kind have been
caused by automobiles in Minneapolis In
dicates that most Of the chauffeurs are
careful In the operation Of their machines,
and that reckless drivers are in the mt-
nority. A prominent automobilist has
estimated that the aggregate number Of
miles covered by automobiles daily in this
city is more than 5.0Oe, and that on IA
yorable days the aggregate mileage will
reach 10000 or 10000. but in spite Of
this accidents are exceedingly rare. The
Automobile club is working hard to keep
Its members mindful of the rights of
pedestrians and drivers Of horses, and 1t
has addressed the following open letter
to the members Of the club, as well as to
owners and drivers Of automobiles who
are not members:
Owing to the efforts Of the Minneapolis Auto
mobile Club q law was passed last winter govern
Ing the use Of automobiles in this state, liberal
speed regulations were Incorporated and the
| friendly attitude Of legislator and the public
secured. This was accomplished by the assur-
ances of the automobile clubs that In the opera
ton OF machines the drivers would great care
and be careful Of the rights and feelings Of the
other occupants ;c t, Of the highwayg This law
governs In the cities as well as In the villages
no municipality can pass an ordinance conflicting
with the state law. ll
The park commissioners Of this city have made
liberal speed regulations for automobiles upon
an hour, except upon crossings, and then four
miles an hour If persons are upon same. These
were the speeds asked for by the Minneapolis
Automobile Club, and the park commission was
| assured that the club would do its utmost to
have the ordinance complied with. Fifteen
| miles an hour Is fast enough upon our boule-
wards, as they were not intended for speedways
for animals machines. Now the question
arises: Shall we, by careful running and re-
| gard for law, continue ato hold the good will
Of the public, shall we, by reckless operation
! of machines seemingly reckless operation,
forfeit the good will and respect, OF our neigh
bors and friends, and soon bring out drastic reg
ulations by the park board and at the next ses-
sion OF the legislature sever law for us all
| We do not believe that a high rate of speed
should be the chief aim OF the autoInobtlist who
is upon pleasure bent. The killing or manning
OF any person, due to carelessness Of drivers of
machines, will be sad memory for life, and
cannot be compensated for by the temporary ex-
hilaration OF fast running. The stringent laws
states are due to the reckless operation Of some
| of the larger machines. :,
| The great majority of users in this city are
! careful, It Is the few who bring discredit upon
the many, and it is hoping to deter all from
/ reckless running that this communication IS
1 published. ZEs-s1
! The public is requested to report the number Of
any machine which Is being carelessly operated
| to the secretary OF the Automobile Club and the
i owner will be dealt with according to the rules
1 Of the club, which are designed to prevent IN
safe operation of machines. @ @f
| Robert A. Hastings, Secretary.
| 1881 Guaranty Building.
! BY authority of the board of directors.