The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-06-18
Danger at Crossings
Chairman Of Safety Committee
Invites Assistance of
Ministers

--NSS~-S4c e--S h-S~ANsS ~>t~~~A NAN-o -
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad sent ou'
through its agents on the line Of road
i've thousand copies Of circular let
ter addressed to all ministers of tn
Gospe., a S follows:
AS close observer of events yo1
have, perhaps. had occasion to not
the alarming number Of people l>illet
or injured while driving automobile:
over railroad crossings.
"Personally, feel much concern
over these appalling occurrences, an(
docniile Of safety and caution amons
cur people. However. it has bee,
found difficult to reach our best peo.
pie in way direct enough to brinc
to them realization Of the loss o;
life attributable to thoughtlessness.
After much deliberation. I have
concluded it would be within The
bounds Of proprie1y and consistent
with the humane policies Of our min
istry to help us and dare hope you
agree with me. A majority Of auto
mobile owners in each community are
Of the best type Of citizens and it is
this class which as rule attend
some church regularly.
Il am fully convinced that if driv-
ers Of cars will Stop, Look and Lis
ten before crossing railroad track.
nearly. if not absolutely all Of the ac-
cidcnts will cease
THE Safety Movement on this road
was started with the sole idea of con
-seryation, and it seems desirable that
its scope be extended beyond those
Immediately employed as workers, or
to those who may be travellers. on the
railroads. 1t is apparent that the
;,e cornbated with the thought and
argument Of the foremost leaders OF
each community.
Therefore. I desire to appeal to.
YOU for assistance and beg to ask
that. if consistent. You refer 10 this
question in one Of your sermons aI
an early date. If practicable. please
let nae have by mail quotation on
this point from Your sermon.
In addressing you on this subject ]
feel that. as a citizen interested in g
great question, it is proper for me to
draw to your attention a problem SO
.,itelly affecting our people.
Il shall appreciate an early re-
,ponse. giving your views and whether
you may find yourself in position to
help.
With assurances of respect, I am,
yours faithfully,
Robert Scott.
Chairman, General Safety Commit
tee.
This course was decided upon by
the General Safety Committee in
view of the apparent growing ten
aency On the part Of automo obilists to
AXE undue chanches in attempting to
cross railroad tracks ahead of NOV
ing trains thereby causing unneces-
sary loss of life and limb.
Many personal ACCOMPLISHMENTS
have been received from ministers
showing their hearty support in this
movement, and it is es-
imated that between three and four
thousand talks were made on this
subject by these ministers in territory
Railroad. Estimating each congrega-
ton at average of 100 people, it Will
readily be seen that approximately
half a million people heard this mes
sage, and it is confidently believed
that much good will be accomplish
ed thereby.
Many times the automobile driver
is tempted 70 take a chance in cross
ing a track ahead OF q train simply
because Of the excitement Of the mo-
.nent, and it would be we'll for pas
in these cars. who are prob
ably not !aboring under the same
excitement as the driver, to adnonssh
the one at the steering wheel to eX-
nrcise the utmost care in approach
ing grade crossings. not only for tho
safety of those on the back. seat.
but for his own safety as well. No
doubt just such a word has averted
many an accident in the past.
The hearty response on part OF
ministers in complying with the rail
roads appeal * not only gratifying to
the roads but IS appreciated by those
motorists who believe in .pra actici1sg.