Bisbee daily review., 1913-03-02
TOO MUCH AImLess footing
Writer in Motoring Publication Says
Few Motorists Exercise Common
Sense in Using Signal Horns.
Laws Needed

In an article in the current issue
OF Motor Print Charles Johnson de-
clares that most motorists lose sight
OF the real mission of the automobile
warning signal. Describing conditions
in Los Angeles and lower California
"a locality selected as typical be-
cause of the large number of auto
mobiles in use Mr. Johnson SAYS:
II doubt If in ten per cent of the
signaling by motorists that came an
ger my observation there was evil
dence OF the proper understanding CT
what the auto horn is for.
Instead of giving a proper note
at a crossing I have frequently OBJ
served that the Los Angeles motorist
does not sound his signal at ali, but
often Immediately begins to sound it
as soon as he passes one crossing on
his way to the crossing a block be-
yond Theoretically he does this 10
give ample warning to the individ-
ual at the farther crossing. Prac-
tically, what he should do is TO sound
the note a quarter OF blocl; from
the crossing, which has dual effect:
Ii causes the pedestrian who is about
TO step into the street TO halt, and
gives the pedestrian in the roadway
ample time TO get out Of the way. II
the horn is blown at the further end
Of the block and remains silent when
near the crossing. the pedestrian has
no means OF knowing OF the immedi
ate proximity OF the machine.
For the six months ending July
list, 1912, there were 1885 automobile
accidents in Los Angeles in which
$50 persons we're injured. OF these
$50 were struck or run over by ma
chimes. There was 429 accidents 81
CROSSINGS and 124 between crossings.
The City Council has now passed an
ordinance defining a proper warning
signal as an abrupt note sufficiently
loud to be heard above the noise of
traffic and restricting the use OF this
TO its true function: as a warning OF
danger. Another ordinance is beng
urged which will prohibit pedestrians
from crossing street at the intersec,
ton OF streets where traffic officers
are stationed except under the di-
rection Of the latter.
My own careful study OF the warn
ing signal problem leads me TO the
conclusion that there is only one
/ proper method of procedure. The
/ first step In this direction is the
framing Of law VII On defines with
in limits Of reasonable elasticity the
sound that constitutes an adequate
warning signal, the prohibition OF
the use OF such signal other than as
warning OF danger. and the prompt
punishment OF the noise maker who
uses a danger signal as a play-toy
Such a law must not prohibit. but
must regulate. The police power OF
no city is sufficient TO enable the
municipality 10 prohibit the use OF
any public safety device within rea-
son. The city does possess the pow
er OF regulation. which enables IL TO
prevent any article or product being
transformed into a nuisance. but reg
ulstion does not carry With 1t the
power OF prohibition In such in
stances. Then. when a city has the
proper law the duty devolves upon
the faw-abiding. far-minded motorist
to unite in the matter OF educating
themselves and others as to the prop
er use OF the automobile warning
signal. once right law is created