The Washington times., 1919-09-06
DEFENSE COUNCIL
FRAMES SROADLAWS

Suggested general highway traffic
regulations accompanied by an in
Iterpretative bulletin, are now being
sent out by the tens Of thousands a.
a part OF the campaign inaugurated
by the United States Council of Ma
tional Defense through its Highways
Transport Committee to the end that
ways be decreased.
Police records in cities throughout
the country. especially in recent
months, emphasize the vital need for
concerted action looking to the safe
ty or life and limb and intelligent
study along the lines of simple and
easily understood highway regula-
tions.
The view Of experts who have given
the subject Of traffic regulations ex-
tended study is that uniformity, es-
pecially as to the fundamentals in
traffic regulation, is necessary IL sue
cess in combating this evil is to be in
proportion to the need for the same.
The Council Of National Defense
believes it is possible, through the
adoption very generally by munich
palities OF the suggested regulations
which II is distributing to the public,
to reduce to a most gratifying ex-
tent the number of accidents growing
out Of the rapidly increasing number
Of motor vehicles on the highways.
Response Gratifying.
Already, following the issuance Of
a preliminary statement to the ef-
feet that this nationwide campaign
was to be undertaken, gratifying re-
sponse has been had from individuals,
state Officers, civic and other organi-
cations, and comment in the public
prints has been to such an extent and
Of such commendatory character as
to convince the Council of National
Defense that the step which it is TAX
ing is a most pertinent one.
The key to the solution of the
problem Of how best to protect those
travelling on the highways. especially
I'm the cities and towns. both pedes-
trians and drivers OF vehicles, is
through education Of the public.
Once the Standardization Of high
way traffic regulations is brought
about through cooperation by au-
thorities OF the principal citfee OF the
country. this education Of the public
as to the need for observation Of
. AAAuA Adlu Ng"A III AllCSC AldAlOuS'
it is believed, may fairly, quickly be
brought about.
Stress Need of Caution.
The regulations being distributed
by the council. through its Highways
Transport Committee stress the ne
oessity for caution at crossings, road
way intersections, and functions
where most accidents occur. This
caution implies extreme care on the
part OF drivers and constant watch
fulness upon the part of. both drivers
and pedestrians.
These suggested regulations and the
bulletin interpreting the same are
going and will continue to go out to
mayors, chief of police, commercial,
rotary, and other clubs, insurance
companies. governors, secretaries of
state, highway commissioners, high
way engineers colleges, universities,
motor associations. traffic associa-
tions, road associations, newspapers,
trade journals, magazines, house
organs, individuals, etc.
In the interest OF the public safety
the cooperation of public officers,
publishers, civic and trade bodies and
individuals in seeking to impress
upon those in authority the very great
Importance OF standardizing these
suggested regulations, so far as is
practicable in view Of local geo
graphical conditions, is asked.
T0NK VHTn CnAnE TIDE