The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-02-20

of traffic. They attempt to Keep eV- cry vehicle moving in the direction it's driver wants to go and let them go as fast as 1t is possible.
 To that end the suggestion Is made that every automobile, driver assist the officer and indirectly assist, them selpes by resolving not to leave ma chimes standing on the streets while shopping There are free parking spa~ss in various sections of the city whore machines may be left without causing interference Or delay to any
 one. If everybody would obey this rule, traffic conditions would be great | ly improved and delays would be re- duced to minimum. Umbrellas Obstruct Vision. Stormy days bring an unusual toll of accidents, caused by the fact that pedestrians obstruct their own vi sion by umbrellas and then step from the curb to cross the street. Not only are they unable to observe the ap- proach of an automobile or other ve- hicle, but the umbrella held in front of their heads, also prevents them from hearing a warning horn, until 1t is too late to escape. When caught in traffic jam, stand still, it may save your life. Aside from all those suggestions for the prevention of secret accidents the Police commissioners Safety First campaign goes further into the idea of Safety First in it's true sense. Bur- g'ars, pickpockets and other crim- inals are assisted in their unlawful operation by the carelessness of the public. Like the preventable accidents and fires, almost similar percentage of robbies are preventable with the proper amount of caution.
 Safety First Against Robbers. Persons who walk in crowd with coat unbuttoned, displaying a conven- tent watch chain, are inviting pick pocket to snatch it and get, away in tho crowd with the aid of some of his pals. It is also inviting theft, to pull out watch every time anybody asks the time.
 Mary highway robberies have re- suited from persons displaying rolls of money in public places. It fur nishes the needed clue for some thugs to follow and hold up the person in a dark street and take the money and other valuables. Women are prone to lay their, pocketbooks down on counters when shopping and they are oftenk snatched by sneak thieves. One of the most foolish things is for persons leaving their homes un- occupied for any considerable length of time, to let the fact be known, by pulling down all of >tro window shades. Sneak thieves and burglars we-1 for such indications and rob the houses at convenient time. It is easy for them to break into house at night when they are informed by the drawn shades, that there is no one at home. Windows and doors should be securely locked at all times when there is no one at home, and even hen there is, it is not bad idea.
 Watch Strangers.
 Persons are warned to be particu- larly careful about allowing strangers to enter their homes on various pre- texes. There are many clever schemes worked by crooks for robbing houses when they are let in. Sneak thieves often assume the role of agents or salesmen and when they get into a house, often manage to work their plans so they can be left alone in a room for a few moments. Then they take everything they can find that is of value to them.
 These and many other suggestions made in the Safety First campaign will prevent lot of troubles, If they are carefully observed by everyone
 The opening of the campaign at the traffic department booth in the Arm ory during the automobile show this week. will be a most suspicious one. Stereopticon views will be shown dem- onstrating how accidents are brought about and Captain c. A. Wheeler or Sergeant Patrick Flanagan of the Traffic division will be on hand to ex- plain how they can be avoided.
 Many interesting pictures have been taken on the streets of Bridge port, many of them especially posed and showing the risks and dangers pedestrians and vehicle drivers take every day. The machine showing the pictures is the same is being used successfully in New York city where a Safety First campaign has long been in progress. It is an educa- tional proposition for the benefit of the public and the Bridgeport cana paign is to be pushed in every way possible
 It is a campaign, to bring forcibly to the attention of everybody the common risks that many of them take almost daily. But there will come time when the risks will have disastrous results unless they are dis continued.
 Campaign Literature
 Fifty thousand pieces of literature concerning the campsfgn have been printed and will be distributed from the traffic booth during the coming week at the show Ns The display will be most interesting and valuable one.
 To Reduce Accidents
 President J. c. Stanley says: s.In the hope that all citizens may be re- lied upon to cooperate with the Po- lice department, in an effort to re- duce to a minimum, the accidents and embarrassments resulting from traffic congestion. reckless and care-4 less driving on the streets; lack of attention on the part of the pedes- trians on the sidewalks and when crossing the streets, particularly in the congested district, these sugges- uons are offered:
 Tt is believed that definite un- derstanding and cooperation with the Police, will materially aid in bringing about improved conditions. As the subject is one which will vii tally concern all citizens, a prompt compliance with these suggestions will be cheerfully followed, in which event no action other than a courte- rDr1 yrH& &<,vV As 0