Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-10-24
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER "a, 1917.
Bonds you buy for Liberty
Break the bonds of slavery.
GRADE CROSSINGS. wATcHAIEN AND THE DRIVING
PUBLIC.

AZ UGH complaint has been heard among Delaware auto
llmobiists recently relative 10 the lax and uncertain
method by which many OF the dangerous grade CROSSINGS
attended by the waichmen
The complaint does apply those crossings which
have safety gates but only those which guarded
by watchmen with danger discs by day and lanterns by
night
''The watchmen. in only too many instances, leave the
drivers Of automobiles and other vehicles In state OF
uncertainty when they approach such crossings promi-
nent automobnist said yesterday. Instead Of giving
safety signals such drivers when the crossing is clear
thef sit their little houses; cultivate little gar
near Them stand and chat with passers hy, and
M fsc seem 10 pay attention to everything and every
body except those drivers who wish 10 be assured by
definite signal that the way is clear. The watchmen
seem to think that drivers should know that unless
the watchmen out Of their boxes and gardens ana
away from their friendly chats with passers-hy, the
crossings are safe. But the drivers do not know IT,
They are not willing take the chance and they should
not he asked to do So The watchmen should be out
on The Job not only signal when the crossing is dan
gerous but also to signal when it is safe II that plan
cannot be pursued, then the Automobiles and other
drivers should demand safety gates at all such crossings
and fight for them until they get them Certainly exist
ing conditions be permitted 10 continue When an
auto motor truck carriage driver approaches
any OF these SPECIALIZED guarded grade crossings he should
be able TO know at once. by simply looking at the
vatchman whether to go ahead or to STOP"
we think that complainant right TIE traffic on the
Delaware railroad lines and the inerseoting public
has become heavy that II is not right to place
drivers In position Of uncertainty TO compel them
10 slow stop and honk their horns TO disturb
tho mediations OF a Waterman in his box; hts agrcu-
iural pursuits In his little garden, or his chats with
passing acquaintance oiterers about the CROSSING
Guarding grade crossing is serious task It's proper
purpose not only TO safeguard life and property but
also TO facilitate the movement Of tranc by rail and
road That purpose being served properly at many
crossings in State. simply because the watehmen
seem TO think Is their business to be on the Job only
when there danger and TO be on the job TO ssna
drivers when there is safety
Al present conditions Of uncertainty be permitted TO
continue Tor the comfort convenience OF the watcn-
men ana inc discomfort and inconvenience OF the drv-
Ing public an agitation for safety gates which viii keep
Watchmen on the job and give definite information rsa-
i've TO safety and danger win be natural consequence
However, with watchmen instructed TO remain On the
job to give prompt and definite signals 10 drivers and
and to keep tranlc moving, there viii be no immediate
necessity for such gates. It merely matter NJ .h
watchmen doing less box loungng and chatne and more
signaling to drivers who desire and who are entitled 10
definite assurance that crossing which they are an
preaching is safe.