The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1911-08-23
AUTO FATALITIES INCREASE.
Col. Kohn Suggests "Safe and Sane"
Campaign I'm This State.

L
Campaign I'm This State.
Columbia, August ia day does
not pass that does not give occa-
sion for funeral notice as result of
an automobile accident. The New York
papers record several accidents day.
With the increasing use of automo-
biles in this State it may be good
idea to have an early start in safe
and sane" campaign. In New York
city the pedestrian is given a chance
for his life-that's about all.
There Is no need for legislation, as
there is now ample law on the books
All that is wanted is an enforcement
of the existing laws. Every city and
town has law against speeding and,
while it may not be known, there is a
State law against fast driving
In effect the main features of the
| present law read:
Section sol. "No person shall oper-
ate a motor vehicle on a public high
way at rate of speed greater than
IS reasonable and proper at the time,
and place, having regard to the traf-
iic and use OF the highway and it's CON
dition, or so as to cndanger life, limb
or property Of any person, or in any
event at greater rate tran fifteen
miles an hour, subject, however to the
other provisions of Sections 592 to
sos, inclusive.
Section SOP: Upon approaching a
crossing of intersecting public high
ways, or bridge Of a sharp curve, or
a steep descent, and also traversing
such crossing, bridge, curve or de-
scent, person operating motor
vehicle shall have it under control
and operate it at the rate of speed no
greater than six miles an hour, and
in no event greater than is reasonable
and proper, having regard to the traf-
fic then on such highway and the safe
ty of the public"
Other sections relate to cars stop
ping upon signal. The automobile
clubs and organizations cannot take
up and encourage anything that will
do the automibilistS as much good as
to discourage speeding and fast driv-
| ing. Reckless driving is not general
among automobilists, but the many
will suffer for the few if the safe and
sane idea is not impressed
At the recent term of the Court in
Spartanburg the grand jury in its pre-
sentiment to Judge Watts said
I'VE desire to call the attention of
the owners and drivers of automobiles
and other motor driven machines to
the law regulating their operation on
the public roads. In no case are they
allowed to run more than fifteen miles
an hour, and on curves, bridges, etc,
the rate of speed is limited to six
miles an hour. We believe many vio-
lations of the law ;re from thought
lessness, but the danger of accidents
is very great, and we call upon all
officers if the law to enforce same in
the interest Of the public safety.
"It has also been called to our at
tention that great many automo-
piiSo piiu iholoiSyS are D6luB OD-
Grated is this county without having
such motor registered in accordance
with the law, and by not having such
number placed on the rear of said ma
chine in conspicuous place, with
the name Of the county in which said
motor vehicle is registered"
These are the beginnings of damage
SUITS and extreme legislation!
Some months ago there was in Co
lumbia a break-neck automobile race.
a fine young man from Greenwood
was injured in the preliminary spin.
He is now dead as a result Of the ac-
cident by which his back was injured.
1t may be locking the door after
the horse is out, but some one will
no doubt, propose q statute, at the
next session OF the General Assembly
outlawing speed and endurance con-
tests with automobiles. BENZ. Briscoe
and other leading automobilists argue
that nothing is now 10 be gained by
such contests and that they should be
discouraged
Automobilists generally should sup.
press the speed maniac and it is best
| for it to be done by those interested i'm
| the new motor machines