The Washington herald., 1922-10-27
The Pedestrians View.

THE average automobile driver believes that
likelihood of traffic accidents in Washington
could be lessened by educating pedestrians in
proper methods of crossing the street He believes
that the motorist should be protected in the exer-
else of certain rights the highways.
The average pedestrian has far different
attitude. He believes that the woman on
foot always should have the right of way. He is
convinced that any legal restrictions would const-
stute discriminatory legislation In favor ofspeople
rich enough to automobiles. Why, he asks,
should poverty be penalized? 1T would be as
proper, he claims to deny use of the public parks
to anyone whose income is less than $4,000 year.
It will be difficult to reconcile these opposing
viewpoints. All traffic legislation, Of course, should
have for its primary purpose the safety of the
pedestrian and at the same time, should allow
him the greatest amount of freedom possible. There
are more people who walk than who ride. The
automobile driver make up for time lost at
street crossings The man who walks only can
accept the delay with the best grace possible.
The idea Of discriminatory legislation is of
course. repugnant. Five years ago any statutes
allowing special privilege to the motorists would
have stirred up q storm of protestant the people
would have been justified in their anger. 1t is still
trihe difficult to the justice of taxing folks
for the upkeep of streets which they have not tn.
fullest freedom to at all hours without posi-
bility of interference.
These jay walkers are a constant source of
danger" say the motorists.
very WELL" say the pedestrians. Must VIZ
take university course in walking in order to suit
ourselves to the convenience of the automobile
drivers"
1t is a fundamental of American tradition that
the man on foot is good as the man on horse
back and entitled to every bit as much consider
alton. The neghboring State of Maryland lays
particular stress this point in its automobile
laws. These state specifically that the pedestrian
always has the right of way except in a very few
instances where crossing policemen are provided
Injury to person on foot never is justified in
Maryland. The motorst always is at fault
From the viewpoint of democratic tradition
every argument is in favor Of :he pedestrian But
there is. it must be admitted. increasing body of
evidence in favor of the motorist In the first
place, the number of automobile owners is growing
rapidly. In the second place, nearly every crossing
officer in Washington insists that one of the most
potent remedies for present traffic conditions would
be some sort OF restriction walkers They have
come to this conclusion from intense observation
every day in the week. 1t is possible that the
time has arrived when stckers for principle must
temper their convictions with good deal of COM
mon sense.
What we want is traffic system which will
be as nearly satisfactory possible for everybody
We want some of reducing accidents II
pedestrians would submit to certain restraints thew
might be rendering a great public service.
Is there not some way by which satisfactory
compromise can be reached between the practca
and exact justice? 1t will be much more appro-
pirate If pedestrians willing to place certain
restraints upon themselves for the benefit of every
body. We welcome suggestions along this line
both from walkers and motorists