New-York tribune., 1910-01-20
CURB TO MOTORISTS
AUTO Law PLANNED.
Cell for Those Who Run 41cay
After an accident.


Recomm for a new automobile
law were discussed and the principal points
terday at meeting of the COMMITTEES which
was appointed at a conferences a week ago
of men representing automobile owners.
manufacturers, chauffeurs and legislators
called by the National Highways Protec-
tive Society. A subcommittee of four
members was appointed TO draft the text
of the bill which the committee wishes to
be adopted.
z. s. Cornell. secretary of the National
Highways Protective Society, was elected
chairman o7@the committee, and A. K.
Wing. who represents several tsxicab COM
panies. secretary. Discussion centred first
on the question whether all operators Of
motor vehicles should be required to have
a license to be granted only after exam
nation On formal vote the committee
finally decided unanimously in the affirma-
tive. This provision will apply to owners
and hired chauffeurs alike. embracing all
persons who drive machine.
1t was generally understood that the COM
mittee would recommend that a special bu-
reau or department of automobile affairs
he established by the state, probably IN
connection with the office of the Secretary
of State. 1t was also agreed that photo
graph and the signature Of the operator
should appear on every license. Mr. Cornell
showed specimens OF the Italian and the
French automobile licenses-one in SUBJ
stantial morocco case, with the photograph
mounted between sheets of waterproof
paper. and the other a folding card of
flmsier texture.
Just what the requirements for license
should be was not fully determined. 1t was
agreed, however, that there should be
severe Physical test. showing particularly
the condition of eyesight, hearing and
heart, and the probability of an epileptic
attack. In the last year, Mr.. Cornell said,
four chauffeurs have run theic cars into
trouble in Fifth avenue between Sd street
and cath street because they were suffer
ing from epilepsy.
The present law, which gives the roads
upstate most of the benefit of taxes which
are chiefly levied on machines owned IN
cism, but no definite recommendation was
made on the subject. on the question of
n naximum speed there was d difference of
opinion. The highest speed suggested as
the legal limit for congested districts was
fifteen miles an hour. Mr.. Cornell said
that the average speed of cars in Fifth
avenue is now sixteen miles an hour, al
though the law allows only ten.
1hcrz tbrCa inches
high, illuminated al night, carried in front
and in the rear. were unanimously recon-
mended. 1t was decided that they should
bear the number of the machine rather
than of the chauffeur.
Other recommendations were that A Sc
we're penalty. at least the compulsory in
Fiction of a prison term, should be inn
posed for running away after an accident
Licenses should be revoked, 1t was sug-
gested, for running away. for reckless
driving after repeated warnings. for
drunkenness and for Joy riding in cars
without the owners permission.
The special committee appointed to draft
the bill is made up as follows; T. S. Cor
nell. chairman; A. X. Wing. John H. Cole
man J. Ehrentreu and L4orillard Spen-
Ger, jr.
The committee has found, rather 10 its
surprise, said Mr.. Cornell. that it is sub
stantially agreed on eleven of the principal
points. We have found no snaSs at ALL
and all differences of opinion have been
settled 10 everybodys satisfaction. OF
course. when the bill is reported. there
NAV be questions of detail where we shall
disagree but we are all sure that we can
produce some kind of bill in very short
time now which will be satisfactory to
everybody"
Others present at yesterdays meeting
were Assistant District ATTORNEY George
". Whiteside. William II. Walters, presi-
dent OF the Professional Chauffeurs' Club,
and Colonel Schuyler Crosby.