Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-11-25
Curb the spccdcrs and the Reckless

Curb tho SpecdcrS and the Reckless
Q UNDAf'S serious automobile accident,
~ caused by skidding machine which
crashed into a group of children at play
probably fatally injuring two of them, is but
ono in Il long series Of accidents that have
taken place on the streets Of Richmond in
the past few months. And they seem to be oc
curing with an evcrincreasing frequency that
is alarming. Sundays distressing disaster
may have been unavoidable; whether it was
or lot is something for the courts TO de-
termine. However. the fact that the car
skidded ninety feet, according to witnesses,
after the brakes had been clamped down, is
fcient evidence in itself that when the
impending crash ii was going
might close TO. ii not in excess of, the legal
speed And the question arises Why was
even that speed necessary? II is not known
that the young man at the wheel or any OF
his boy companions We're on an errand that
demanded rapid travelling through crowded
streets; there was no imperative necessity
fol- such haste. there was no question of life
CT death depending their early arrival
ut their destination. No. it was a Sunday
afternoon pleasure drive that speeded them
over Il popular residence street and brought
sorrow. ana perhaps death, into Richmond
homes. It is the growing American mania
with its concomitant OF disregard for the
rights OF others that increases with the grow
Ing use OF the motor car, for speed speed.
speed.
Hardly day passes without its automo-
bile accident OF more or less seriousness the
majority of them caused by reckless driving.
or if not actual rccklessness. by lack of a
proper display OF caution. Some one pays
the penalty with life or limb or wrecked auto
mobile while the one responsible gets off
With penalty that really is no punishment
The wonder is not that there are so many
hal
Automobiles are found in the hands OF mere
children. contrary 20 law, certainly. but there
nevertheless. They found in the hands
OF the reckless. the inconsiderate. and worst
OF all. the inexperienced. II is nothing out
OF the ordinary for the new owner of car
20 take his hrst or second experimental drive
down Broad or Main or over the crowded
residential streets of the West End Despite
the police regulations that require each
driver TO have a permit which permit Is
popularity supposed to be granted only after
ne mas demonstrated his ability. there is lit
tie or no enforcement. How many Richmond
drivers nave been asked TO demonstrate their
ahliity at the wheel before being given writ
ten permission to drive their cars where and
how they will through Richmond's streets
/ recious lew IL any. The fact is that regu-
lauon is joke, SO far as its observance is
concerned, and any one can secure the permi,
Ivy asking for it,
Again TO what extent is observance of the
speed limit enforced? OCCASIONALLY or
course there is an arrest. but it usually is
"heh the offensc is fragrant. Drive out on
rrahklin OF Grace Streets, or Monument Ave
nue. r'sloly obserye the maximum speed limit
ar" noto now many cars pass you. The
chances arc 100 10 ! that you will be- loft
al the rear end of the speedinr ,u,omohiia
procession
'nesc are the conditions, and they are
growing worse, as proved by the increasing
number OF accidents. The police cannot he
everywhere, but with few more motorcycle
o''ccrS and vigorous campaign against The
specuerS ana reckless drivers there should
le:ui' Wclcome Improvement. Such a cam
paish VIII he welcomed by the careful. law
aDidng drivers, and the others are unwor,hv
" CONSIDERATION. Human life is too precious
" DC r,skeu every minute Of the day as il is
no" pclnG rsked in Richmond