The Washington times., 1919-12-13
By L. J. FAULKNER.

1t is surprising that with all the efforts made by
tanly well organized Traffic Squad there seems to be
apparent reduction in the number of accidents occurring
in Washngton's streets.
1t would seem to the writer to indicate but thing
lack of sufficient control reckless driving properly
this is the case it of such paramount interest that
steps must longer be delayed IN so increasing the force
used in guarding traffic that important point can be
adequately covered. l
I HUMAN LIVES ARE FAR MORE IMPORTANT
THAN DOLLARS.
1t apparent that any appeal to certain class OF
automobile drivers waste of breath Each seems to
be law unto himself
During the past two weeks have made it my duty to
watch the various congested points in Washington as well
of the outlying districts and have very many
fragrant violations our already very liberal speed laws
In this investigation discovered that the worst Of
tenders not private Individuals might say
owners of their machines but mostly taxi drivers of
the class commonly known "crabbers not those con-
lnected with well established companies.
Truck drivers also show gross carelessness in their
methods of driving particularly when passing street
and other vehicles.
The wonder to is that there not accidents
while the present mania for speeding exists.
1t is manestly impossible for the present inadequate
force under Captain Headey command to regulate this
traffic properly Massachusetts, favorite
ground for speeding especially going to and from the
terminal station.
1t might perhaps be check to this reckessness if
severe sentences imposed all offenders with
hons of licenses for period of several years
Near school house last week. four out of auto
mobiles flew by at rate of twenty-five miles hour
while the children leaving the building Each of these
hire vehicle.
The bill presented by Senator Sherman chair
of the District Committee should receive the unanimous
uppor of the Senate and it is not overestmae of the
condition when Senator Sherman states that unless
thing is done to stop this reckless driving the people will
take matters into their hands, ugly feeling already
having developed among the people the residential section
Of the city, outside the congested districts.
Heavy Jail sentences the Senator believes should be
given to all offenders.
Senator Frelinghuysen of New Jersey believes that
automobile licenses issued too freely in the District
without examination do not believe this be the prime
cause of the accidents The accidents not caused
Iby lack of knowledge driving, but by the individual
himself well posted in the management of his machine who
has the "speedbug to exaggerated degree with
gard respect for whom it may affect.
1t might be well if Washington would adopt plan
Gently tried in Detroit with great successdesignate week
g Make Washington Safe Week." equip all automobiles
with signs to that effect and give drivers practical police
authority to arrest offenders The plan unquestonably
would result in marked reduction of accidents
WHY CAN'T WE DO SOMETHING SIMILARi
We perhaps too prone let things take their
and trust too much to those who control desnies on
the Hill to act for