New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-05
AUTOMOBILING.

A nian 10 enforce the present automobile laws
ana an that way put stop TO what motorists
consider unfair legislation has been suggested
hy Charles T. Terry. OF this city. and is already
meeting with the favor Of some automobile clubs
II follows the idea brought out in The tribune
that a majority of automohilists are quite as
anxious for the suppression and punishment OF
the so-called road hog as those who do not
own machines Mr. Terry's plan is that each
automobile club IN fits respective community
shall take in hand the prevention as far
rs possible. Of the improper use of auto
mobiles and highways. The idea is not alto
gether a new one as the Automobile Club OF
America has the privilege under its rules to
discipline any member who knowingly violates
the law; but Mr.. Terry's plan is more far reach
ing and likely, therefore, to be of more value
He says, IN part:
believe that over rs per cent of automobiists
intend TO respect the Jaw and the public. IL
seems that II each club would make itself
clearing house of complaints. as 1T were, based
upon the violations which affect either the MEM
bers of the club or those who are not members.
and II each club would adopt q system OF fines
and privileges. beginning with money PUNISH
ment and involving suspension from member
ship and resulting finally. on repeated offences.
in expulsion from the club. the problem would De
solved and the last vestiges OF unreasoning hos
tility would disappear. If the sentiment which
exists TO a large extent among automobilistS.
that the habitual offender and the chemically
careless driver should be ostracised by his fei-
lows. could be carried TO its full extent by the
adoption the part OF the clubs of some such
plan there would not be left the slightest ground
for rabid automobile legislation Through the
means CT tho state association of automobile
clubs in each state rules could be promulgated
which would establish uniform plan.
The laws at present upon the statute books or
New-York and New-Jersey. for example, are ad-
eQuate TO the situation. and were enacted after
thorough elaboration. investigation and sugges-
ton on the part of automobiles and those who
may be designated for want of better term,
"anti-automobilists" The remedies, If new rem
edies are needed more thorough and genu-
inc enforcement OF existing laws ard. of much
more Importance, renewed and extended efforts
by automobiles themselves. through their or
ganizations TO regulate themselves and their fell
low members. so that the sentiment will prevail
among them that reckless driving and disregard
OF the rights of others bad form. unsports-
manlike and intoIerable to those who have the
best interests of the automobile at heart
Such a plan, If properly worked out and earn
estly followed, would unquestionably do much to
improve the conditions on certain roads in this
state and New-Jersey which make their use by
pedestrians or teams absolutely unsafe Auto
mobile drivers have the remedy In their own
hands TO some extent, and If they fail TO take ad-
vantage Of il they can hardly expect any con-
sideration from those whose duty IT is to see
that proper restrictions are made and enforced.