New-York tribune., 1922-12-24
Auto Dealers
Eager to Cut
Accident Toll
Traffic Situation Is Dis
cussed by Merchants and
Offers of Assistance in
Every Way Mark Meeting
Blame on Both Sides
Lack of Care Displayed
by Pedestrians Is Often
Responsible for Trouble

The trafic situation in this city was
discussed from the viewpoint Of the
automobile dealer at a special meeting
Of the Automobile Merchants Assoeia-
tion Of New York, Inc, held last Fri
day at the Hotel Embassy.
Sidney B. Bowman, one Of the speak
ers, said that many accidents could be
attributed 20 the reeklessness Of pedes-
trlans, and he and other speakers
agreed that the association was eager
70 do everything In its power 20 reduce
the number Of accidents due 70 trafic
congestion IN the eity's streets.
We've got to convince the public,
said Lee J.. Eastman, president Of the
association. who presided, that we're
interested in the same things they are.
We want 70 do all that we can TO pre-
vent accidents and take an active hand
in their suppression. We want to get
out Of the heads Of people the idea that
we're commercial money grabbers-
that we haven't the interests Of the
public At heart"
Placing Accident Blame
Mr. Bowman, in his speech, pointed
out that about 25 per cent Of the popu-
lation Of the city has access TO auto
mobiles and nigh. be considered more
as automobiles than pedestrians. "The
situation to-day" he said "is about the
same as It ever was 80 far as the blame
for automobile accidents in the eity's
streets Is concerned. About 40 per cent
Of the pedestrians are careless or reek-
less and about 20 per cent are abso-
lutely reckless The reckless automo-
bilist ought, OF course, 70 be eliminated.
But IT'S nonsense 20 say that s6 per
cent Of the automobiists should suffer
for the ! or per cent OF the auto
mobilists who are downright reckless.
"When you consider the population
Of this city, the number Of automobile
accidents Is really SMALL
Mr.. Bowman declared further that
the pedestrian as we'll as the motorist
will have 20 be taught 20 be careful n
a reduction Is 90 be expected in motor
accidents in the city.
Other speakers were Major Harry
Stratton. and L. B. Saunders. Major
StrGtton touched on the traffic situa-
tion and said that the association will
be glad 70 receive suggestions 90 20
methods for handling IL Mr. stun
ders outlined In detail the plan
adopted BY automobile dealers Of Dos
ton TO cope with the used-ear problem
and urged greater cooperation among
the automobile men Of New York.
The members attending Fridays
meeting voted unanimously that there
will be hereafter five classes Of mem
bers in the association, namely, honor
Rry, dealers, associate, owner and non
resident. The class Of membership
designated as "house" IS elm mated.
Regarding associate Memberships Il
was approved that;
"An associate membership 20 be
composed Of one representative from
any concern engaged IN any line OF
business affiliated with the automobile
industry shall be eligible FOR asso'
ciatc membership. This associate mem
bcrship shall also be open 90 one or
more individuals connected with. such
motor car dealers who are dealer
members In good standing, provided,
however, tnat such associate members
must be proposed By the dealer mem
Der Of such company and such asso-
ciate membership shall be terminable
AZ the pleasure Of the board Of direc.
tors. Such associate members shal!
enjoy all the rights and privileges and
be subject TO all the rules ana oD'igs,
tions Of dealer members, but thoy snail
not vote. nor hold Office, nor have any
title 70 nor interest in the assets OF
the association"
President Eastman read a report OF
T. +. Moore. executive secretary, when
gave information as 70 the activities
Of different bureaus Of the assoeia-
ton