The Washington herald., 1920-11-19
BILL TOCHECK
DRIVERS URGED
House Traffic Committee
Plans to Regulate
Licenses.
AGAINST 'JAY-WALKlNG'
Chief Gessford Summons
Meeting to Aid Safety
Campaign.

Immediate Congressional action
to reduce the large number of traf-
fic accidents which. in the last few
days have resulted in ave deaths. II
promised by Representative Fred
erick N. Zihlman. Of Maryland.
chairman of the subcommittee on
traffic of the House District Com
mittee. ...
Little delay is expected on this
legislation because the trafiic COM
mittee has practically completed the
drafting of a bill revising the traf-
fic code Of the District.
1t Is expected that Zihlman will
call his committee together immedi-
ately upon the convening Of Con-
gress. or before that time IL pos
sible, and that the measure will be
reported to the full committee In
the least possible time.
Many Bills In Last Congress.
A similar increase In traffic .acci-
dents just prior to the convening Of
Congress at the previous session re-
suited in agitation that led to tho
Introduction of q number of bills
in both the House and Senate.
Among these was the Zihlman bill.
A subcommittee was appointed or
which Zihlman was made chairman.
and authorized to hold hearings and
draftsa bill designed to reduce traf-
fic accidents.
Under the original bill, as intro
49, - ktr, 81 Nra -
was to be established, presided over
designated by the President, and
who would serve as traftio Judge In
addition to his other duties. with an
additional salary Of 1000 a year.
Some opposition was voiced
against this procedure during tho
hearings, and the committee has
not announced its decision. but 1t
is understood still entertains the
idea.
VIII Regulate Pedestrians.
The final bill is expected to pro-
vide regulations governing the
movement of pedestrians as we'll as
that of vehicle drivers, making II
unlawful to "jay-walk" or to cross
streets at places other than inter-
sections.
One Of the principal and most far
reaching features Of the bill, how
ever. will be tho drastic regula-
tions and safeguards placed around
the granting OF drivers licenses TO
individuals.
Power to revoke licenses already
granted will also be granted. IL is
understood, and IL the traffic court
is created the-Presiding judge will
be given wide discretionary pow
ers.
Many regulations issued by the
police department or the Board of
Commissioners will be ENACTED in
the fundamental traffic code, and
penalties for violation be made suf-
fciently severe to check reckless
driving.
Police Chief Calls Meeting.
Prompted by the recent heavy in
crease in automobile fatalities, Ma
jor Harry l. Gessford. superinten.
dent OF police, has asked q number
of representative business men and
officers of civic and other organi-
zations to meet him and the heads
of the traffic force at a conference
in the Board Room of the District
building. Suggested changes In
traffic regulations and other mean:
of remedying the present conditions
will be gone over.
William F. Peabody, president OF
the Washington Safety First Asso,
citation, Is expected to take a prom.
inent part in the melting. Other
members who will attend are A. J
Driscoll, ], Clinton Hiatt, Albert E
Shoemaker, DR.. L. D. Walter ant
Selden NJ. Ely.
alton will be held December / a.
the Public Library. Plans for tn,
educational program Of the Safety
First campaign will be outlined.