The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1911-08-18
AUTO FATALITIES INCREASE.
Col. Kohn Suggests "Safe and Sane"
Campaign in This State.


Columbia, Aug. ia day does moi
pass that does not give occasion for a
funeral notice as result Of an auto
mobile accident. The New York papers
record several accidents day.
With the increasing use Of automo-
biles in this State it may be a good
idea to have an early start in "safe
and sane" campaign. In New York
city the pedestrian is given chance
for his life-thatis 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 a. 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
presnt law read:
Section 5e1. mo person shall oper-
ate a motor vehicle On q public high
way at a rate of speed great than is
reasonable and proper at the time and
place, having regard to the traffic and
use of the highway, and its condition,
or so as to endanger life, limb or
property Of any person, or in any event
at a greater rate than fifteen miles an
hour, subject, however, to the proVis-
ions Of Sections 592 to 59S, inclu-
sive. -" ~s :~''."
Section 592. upon approaching a
crossing of intersecting public high
ways, or a bridge, or sharp curve,
or a steep descent, and also traVerslng
such crossing, bridge, curve or de-
scent a person operating motor We
hicle 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 traffic
then on such highway and the safety
of the public
Other sections relate to cars stopping
upon signal. The automobile clubs
and organizations can not take up
and encourage anything that will do
the automobilists as much good as to
discourage speeding and fast driving.
Reckless driving is not general among
automobilists, but the many will suffer
for the few if the 'tsafe 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:
1--WE 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 VIC
Iations of the law are from thought
lessness, but the danger of accidents
is very great, and we call upon al
officers of the law to enforce same II
the interest of the public safety:
'It has also been called to our at
tention that a great many automobiles
and motorcycles are being operated
in this county without having sucE
motor registered in accordance with
the law, and by not having such mum
ber placed on the rear of said machine
in a. 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 break-neck automobile race
A fine young man from Greenwood
was injured in the preliminary spin
He is now dead as result oflthe &C
cident by which his back was injured
It may be locking the door after the
horse is out, but some one will, nc
doubt, propose statute, at the nex'
session of the general assembly out
lawing speed and endurance contests
-, NLa.aah;1oc Ro,.i Rricnna anf