The Washington times., 1908-08-23
Washington MotoriSt En-
thuSiaStic Over MaSSachu-
sets Regulations.
SPEED DETERMINED
BY COMMON SENSE
system Produces Better Results
Than Uniform Rate in Vogue
Here, Says H. G. Hunter.

II C. Hunter, a member Of the board
Of governors Of the Automobile Club of
Washington and who is an enthusiastic
motorisU, has just completed a ZOO mile
trip through the Middle and New Eng
land States IN his Franklin runabout.
we spent about ten days on the
road" said Mr. Hunter, "our longest
run being 163 miles, while our shortest
was forty-eight We weren't out for a
record run on any day but made those
places which afforded the best accom-
mOdattons for spending the night, on
the whole trip, we did not have sim
gle mishap, our machine and tires stand
ing the strain in good shape.
'I was much impressed with the mo-
toring code in Massachusetts % continu-
ed Mr.. Hunter. The laws are strict.
and are rigidly enforced, with regard
10 drivers and motorists keeping to the
extreme right. The roads in Massa-
chusetts are perfection, being kept in
the finest condition. They are ali oiled,
and kept oiled. and for miles and miles
they are cut through shade trees. which
make motoring in that State one of the
greatest pleasures.
Good Fellowship Prevails.
There seems to exist there the best
Ct gOOd-feljoWship between motorists
and drivers OF horses. which seems TO
extend even to the horses. They exhibit
no fright when automobiles approach.
one thing 1 noticed in connection with
the enforcement of the laws in this
State is that the motorists and drivers
of horses are treated alike. There is
no discrimination against the autoist
that is so noticeable IN many other
places
'It Is my opinion that the present
state of nigh efficiency in Massachu-
setts is due TO the presence of the auto
mobile, and ether States might we'll
look 10 Massachusetts in patterning their
laws governing traffic as the Bay State
seems years ahead of other States in
traffic regulation.
In Connecticut they seem TO have
solved the problem of horse and horse
less traffic. as the laws are just and
strictly observed. There is no speed
limit in this State. except that a reason
able limit must not be exceeded. In
most places twenty-five miles is looked
upon as being a reasonable speed. The
vehicles keep to the extreme right,
leaving a place in the center of the road
for those who want tn speed their ma
chimes.
Must Garry Two Lamps
Il was impressed with the fact that
all vehicles in the two States mentioned
are obliged TO carry tail and front
lamps, the rear light showing red. This
gives the mOtOrst a chance to see any
vehicle which may be in front OF be-
hind him, and is an innovation that
has proven very successful.
Through the southern part of New
York TO Delaware Water Gap. there
IS a fine pike I'm course Of construction.
The authorities have put up metal signs
with raised letters, asking the drivers
OF vehicles 10 be careful and not make
ruts in the roads, and the drivers seem
10 take heed Of the request, for in my
Journey on this pike 1 did not discover
q single rut.
From the Gap 70 Philadelphia the
roads are abeminabIe until PhiladeI-
phia is approached but from PhiladeI-
phia TO New York there is a state road
that IS fairly good. In making the run
from York TO Gettysburg I should not
advise any motorist TO make The detouT
suggested at Abbotsford. in the Road
Book for I took the suggestion. and
cannot conceive Of a road being more
miserable. Tt was one of the poorest
stretches we encountered in our run.
Scores Road Making.
I'm south central Pennsylvania and
Maryland the authorities do not seem
10 have arrived at a successful epoch
in roadmaking. The material used is
of the best but the roads are made
badly. and thank-you marms' are much !
IN evidence, making motoring unpleas-
ant. venture 10 say that If these
roads were turned. up and worked over
again the cost Of doing so would be
saved in the cost OF maintenance inside |
OF ten years.
IN our longest run, from Frederick !
10 Washington, the reads We're the
worst, but we reached home. as / said