Evening star., 1915-06-27

regulations that may become
general throughout the coun-
try was the principal subject
discussed at a meeting of the
street traffic committee of the Safety
First Federation of America, held re-
Gently at Detroit Mich
The session was presided over by Po-
lice Commj ssioner John Gillespie. chair
man of the committee, who is acknowl-
edged one of the foremost authori-
ties upon street traffic and motor We
hicle regulation in this country. Tn
der Commissioner GilIespie's admins
tration Detroit has obtained the repu-
tation of originating and putting into
effect more new Safety-first ideas in
connection with traffic regulations than
any other municipality.
In cooperation with Commissioner
Gillespie, William 9. Bryant of the De-
troit bar has drafted a traffic ordi-
nance which recently became effective,
and the ConVeping of this committee in
the chairman's home city will offer the
commissioners and directors of public
safety and chiefs of police from other
cities an exceptional opportunity TO OBJ
serve the practical working OF new reg
uiations
That there is necessity for the intel
Ggent aud rational handling of the
traffic problem is admitted by every
one conversant with the situation. says
official Of the federation and it will
be the policy Of the Safety First Fed
GRAFTON, through its street traffic COM
mittee. TO proceed along lines which
VIII tend to minimize the posi- bility of
accidents before they occur, rather
than Furnishing after the damage or
injury is inflicted
The importance of the work before
this committee cannot be exaggerated
the problem of street and highway
traffic in unicipalities is one which
requires careful attention by experts
thoroughly verSed upon the subject.
The problem is to devise such an i'm
proved and popular system of regu-
lating traffic on the public highways
will
ta) BE regarded by the public and all
authorities concerned IS efficient and
Just, thus insuring the respect and con-
hdence OF the public, which are essen
tial to success.
(b) Increasing the traffic bearing ca
paciry Of existing highways.
Co Efecting a substantial reduction
of the number OF accidents of all kinds.
Chaotic Condition Exists.
There is at present a chaotic condition
as regards traffic regulations caused pri-
marly by the varying traffic ordinances
every city has street traffic regulations
that differ In some important principle
from those of other cities, and it is i'm
possible for the travelling public to be
familiar with the provisions of all. If
a standard code of traffic regulations
could be framed suitable to the needs
of all communities. or which would be
uniform to cities of certain size, the
result should be most satisfactory to
vehicular operators who wish to obey the
law, but many of whom now, through
excuSable ignorance, often make infrac-
tons of the laws, and would at the same
time meet one of the reasons for or
ganiZing the Safety First Federation of
America. which has for it's chief purpose
the prevention of accidents and the easier
handling of traffic upon the public thor
oughfares.
Every municipality now frames it's own
traffic ordinances. following no general
policy, creating a. variation in important
requirements in detail of enforcement
and in penalties imposed. In some in
stances the local ordinances conflict with
the state laws, while others contain pro-
visions which should be the subject of
legislative enactment rather than Of local
regulation
This was the first meeting of the
committee of which Police Commits
sioner John Gillespie of Detroit is
chai. nan, and numbers among Its
members police department. heads and
other officials from many of the largest
cities in the country, including traffic
and motor vehicle experts. who prompt
ly approved of the plan to draft
standard traffic ordinance, ideal in con-
ception and universal In character,
which can be adopted by all munich
palities
The kind of traffic signs employed
rules governing the movement of
street cars and the operation of all
types OF vehicles, zones of safety for
pedestrians and other subjects were
among those considered
Recommendations Made.
II was decided 70 recommend the fol-
lowing for adoption
To have education and special In
structior Of policemen before assign
ing them for traffic duty
A standard code OF hand signals to
be used by traffic officers.
Fixed locations for traffic officers at
Intersections to be distinctly marked.
Eliminat OF glare of head and side
lights.
Use OF nuffier cut-outs to be prohib-
tied
Standardization of left-hand turns at
Intersections
o.