Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-27

bilism at heart: we are driving vehicle
which makes a certain amount Of noise
and which sometimes creates unpleasant
odors and which not infrequently frightens
horses. The motor vehicle, because of Its
power and capacity for speed. may easily
become in the hands of reckless and incon-
siderate drivers menace and peril to other
users of the highway. Its possibilities for
good. which are enormous, are an exact
measure Of its possibilities for evil.
~
'It Is true that there are many pedes-
trians who are exceedingly careless in the
use Of the streets and highways. Too often
they will deliberately step off a sidewalk
almost or quite in front Of a moving auto
mobile Unquestionably many Of the acct
dents recorded are due to contributory neg
ligence on the part of the pedestrians. The
best interests Of automobilism require that
automobilists, wherever there Is possibility
greatest self-restraint and always we'll
within the limit of safety to all users Of the
highway; and while 1t Is true that there
are many examples of carelessness on the
part Of the general public, yet our care
fulness must provide against their careless
ness; our consideration against their heed
lessness; our intelligence against their lack
Of intelligence in the use of the highway.
mobile accidents have taken place dfscloses
some interesting facts. J. B. r: Smith.
commissioner Of motor vehicles for New
Jersey, states that most of the accidents
occur when cars are being driven at less
than twenty miles an hour. It is not q
question Of speed alone: it Is speed plus
certain conditions. Accidents most often
happen in passing street cars.
~
'Too rapid driving in crowded city traffic,
in passing intersecting streets. in rounding
corners and curves is the next most prolific
source Of accidents. The greatest possible
caution should be exercised by all drivers.
and it Is imperative that the car under the
conditions above outlined should always
be under absolute control. We urge upon
automobiles a strict observance Of the
traffic regulations and careful obedience
to the spirit of existing laws governing and
regulating the use of motor cars on public
streets and highways.
1--WE urge upon motorists the wisdom of
not using open acetylene searchlights on
ferry boats and in the closely built-up and
well-lighted portions Of towns and cities;
avoid as far as possible flooding this engines
with oil. thus creating offensive smoke and
odor. We urge a proper and Thoughtful, but
not too frequent, ,,g use OF the horn. the
crossings and in passing teams. The speed
should be brought down to q point where
the car can be stopped almost instantly.
I'VE believe that II these few plain prac-
teal suggestions were taken to heart by
automobilists everywhere this coming year
1t would be the means of averting many
accidents and would do much to remove
prejudice now in the minds of the public"
At the recent New York show It was Inn
pressed upon the careful observer that the
stage has been reached where the public
is so sophisticated and the domestic product
SO far advanced that in very many In
stances buyers were considering cars ON
their intrinsic merits. as men examine
cloth. without considering whether It is