New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-11-30
MOTORISTS CALL
FOR LOUD-TONED
HORNS ON AUTOS
State Association Lays Stress on
This Demand in An.
nual Report.
WANT BETTER NUMBER TAGS
Object to Whole State Being
Burdened with Drastic Law
Limiting Speed.

LlIHltlHS Opeeu.
Il is curious fact that In its sug-
gestions for new legislation the law and
legislative commission OF the New York
state Automobile Association lays great
,st stress on the necessity for adequate
warning sgnals-a fat demand, in fact,
for loud sounding horns, rather than the
resk-toned bulb devices in use for so
many years The recommendations are
rs follows:
There should be an amendment TO the
law to the effect that an adequate warn
ing signal must be provided which shall
produce a sound sufficiently loud to be
heard above all conditions OF traffic.
A provision similar 10 this had been
made in the law in the city of Chicago; d
similar provision was advocated by the
Massachusetts, Automobile Association.
The present New York State law itself
would mean this if it were literally con
strued. A similar law has been passed
in the city OF St Louis similar ordi-
nances have been passed, in St. Paul,
Minneapolis. Omaha. Denver, Kansas
CITY. Mo Sioux City. Iowa; Cedar Rap
ids. Iowa; Jacksonville, Fla; Atlanta,
Philadelphia AND many others.
The reasons for such an ordinance are
obvious. because the old-fashioned bulb
squawker horn is not effective and be
cause nine accidents out OF ten are
caused by the fact that, although the au-
tomobiists may have given a proper sig
nal and attempted to give warning. the
fact is that the signalling device is so
weak it was not heard above the roar
Of traffic These old squawker-bulb horns
are in general use on heavy trucks. the
very class Of vehicles above others, which
should be provided with a clear. distinct.
high sounding signal, which could be
heard under all conditions and in the
most cOngested traffic.
Furthermore. If a provision like this
we're inserted in the law ii would mean
that every automobile manufacturer
would have 10 install such d device upon
every automobile manufactured and the
automoblist would be saved the expense
Of installing IL himself. Attention is also
called TO the fact that the State of Cali
fornia has just enacted law of this
kind which goes into effect on December
g. 1913 The State OF Connecticut has done
likewise. and a similar measure was re-
ported in Wisconsin this last year and
passed one Of the houses. A similar meas
IRE was also before the state Legislature
Of Washington this last year.
"A law compelling all vehicles using
the highways to carry lights at night.
The elimination Of all local ordinances
in relation 10 automobiles.
"A law providing for such aid as need
ed. If any TO equip the towns throughout
the state with the necessary machinery
10 be required TO keep the roads in that
township in a constant state Of repair, to-
gether with the necessary force of men
10 operate such equipment and 10 main
tain an adequate road patrol, subject to
central authority.
Some appropriate action which will
compel the Secretary Of State 10 procure
number plates which shall be suited to
The use which they were intended TO fill.
Those now in use are a disgrace to the
state. II should be noted in this connec-
ton that the sixth suggestion for legisla-
ton which was given as desirable in last
years report. namely, the suggestion that
an absolutely non-partisan Highway Com
mission be obtained. has been obtained
through the efforts of the State Associa-
ton and to-day we have one OF the finest
equipped Highway Commissions in the
United States Of America. and, therefore.
the sixth suggestion for legislation is un-
necessary and is not incorporated in this
report
over half OF the accidents in the State
OF New York happen in New York City
and the law specifically provides, in Sec
ton 28S, that cities Of the first class snall
have the right 10 regulate the speed OF
motor vehicles and to make traffic regu-
lations, so that there is no earthly reason
why the whole State should be burdencd
with drastic regulations the passage of
which IS due largely 20 the accidents tax
ing place in New York City alone
Furthermore, the law now provides
that after a chauffeur is convicted for the
third time for operating his automoblie
In a manner that is not careful and pru-
dent, the Secretary Of State, upon the
recommendation OF the trial court, shall
revoke his license. Does any one really
believe that if the proper number OF
police we're detailed TO arrest reckless
drivers they could not obtain three con-
yictlons? II should be remembered that
il is not necessary. in order TO arrest and
convict a man under this section, that
he should have knocked some one down
or injured anybody.
The mere fact that he is driving in
way that is not careful and prudent is a
sufficient reason for his conviction. fact
that does not seem 20 have dawned upon
the intelligence Of the police officials Of
the state. It is, therefore, the duty of the
automobilists in this association 10 en-
deavor to so mould public opinion that the
demand for the enforcement of the pres
ent law will be so strong that the police
officials will not be able 70 resist it,