South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-21
SEEKS LAWS To
CURB RECKLESS
AUTO DRIVING
Sen. Sherman Starts Cam
paign at National Capital
to Reduce Danger.
- IOUIs LUDDOW.


Gan Lawrence y. Sherman Of Hi
oois has set an example IN the mat
Ter OF legislation 10 curb reckless au-
fonnobue driving that may be an en-
rouraRernent TO the various state
legislatures that are soon 20 meet IN
framing restrictive legislation 10
check speed fiends.'
BY virtue Of being chairman OF
the senate committee on the District
OF Columbia Sen. Sherman exercises
"a sort OF guardianship over matters
in general at the national capital
and his ire has been aroused fire.
ouently OF late by the apparent dis
regard manifested by automobiles
Tor the lives and limbs OF pedes-
TRANS.
lie has brought motordom at the
national capital outstanding by
charging these reckless drivers with
murder and mansiaughter. Unless
something is done TO stop this reck-
less driving" no said, "the people
viii take matters into their own
hands and arm themselves with
brick bats and biIlas and one OF the
reckless drivers will be injured him
SELF
Urges state Laws.
the senator thinks tho matter Of
reckless driving Is one with which
tho state legislatures should con-
Germ themselves. Congress can leg
islate only for the District of Co
1umbia and other federal reserva-
lions. Here the evil OF fast driving
was accumulated some time ago
when a member % congress-Rep.
Albert johnson OF Washington state
was thrown high in the air right
IN front Of tho white house by a
dieting automobile and not oven an
apology Was forthcoming. A Florida
woman. constituent OF Sen. Fletcher.
was run down and killed by an au-
tomobils on one OF tho capital city
streets q few days ago and the list
or casualties seem never TO end.
Oners Resolution.
Son. sherman has offered a reso-
luton. the full tat OF which Is as
follows:
THAT tho frequent personal in
jurics and deaths OF pedestrians on
tho streets OF Washington by being
struck by automobiles - "A grave
menace 10 tho safety Of the people OF
Washington. and that the frequent
occurrence OF such deaths and inJur-
les indicates reckless violation OF
speed regulations and OF tho crowd
Cd streets and "A disregard OF the
safety Of tho general public. Life is
or moro Importance 10 the many
than nero speed 20 tho few careless,
indifferent drivers Of such vehicles.
10 Is declared to be the sense Of the
senate that the regulations govern
ing such force Of transportation be
strengthened and enforced by thor
ouch observa ton and that the police
department or tho District OF Colum-
bia DO supported I'm such enforce
nents in all ways at the command
OF the senate.
''It As further declared 10 be the
sense Of the senate that the District
- Columbia committee thereof shall
consider and report a proper bill
providing for additional restrictions
upon speed at places dangerous TO
the general public and for more Wig
orous penalties. declaring IN case OF
punishment as for manslaughter or
INAEutTs 10 THO AlAA AAAaA LIZ 80 49,
Of washington may not be the most
dangerous places IN the country
Blame JAY walkers
sen. Shernan's casigations have
called forth sharp rejoinders from
the accused autom obilists and the
automobile editor or one OF the
Washington papers. while admitting
"a great deal OF reckless driving at
The national capital. holds pedes-
rrians Jointly 10 blame for whatever
accidents occur. He says that Wash
:ngton holds distinct position
among the cities OF the country for
the number OF its "jay-walkers."
"In no other city" he adds. 'is
there such utter disregard OF traf-
tic regulations by pedestrians. Even
out IN Denver or Kansas City or Los
Angeles the pedestrian is compelled
o cross at intersections squarely and
those who cut corners are arrested
and fined from two 20 five dollars
4 little regulation on this part Of
The traffic situation IN the district
would be Of far more value than a
campaign against reckless drivers.