Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-11-05

Washington, D. c., Nov. "A Mo-
~torists' National Civility club, which
aims to make travel on the streets
safer and more pleasant for both ped
estrians and motorists, has been organ
lied in this city.
More automobiles are on the streets
every year. More people are being
run down by vehicles. Complicated
traffic situations have so far been met
mainly with more complicated regula-
tons, so that in some cities experienced
drivers claim that nobody could re-
member all the requirements. But in
spite of the regulations, or because of
them, accident figures mount 10 appaI-
ling totals.
A. L. Zerbee. former captain in the
regular army. believes that the key to
the puzzle is in the attitude of the
people on the streets. 1t is apparent
that too many people are ~antagonistir
toward the traffic situation.
The Roman emperor crushing be-
meath his chariot wheels anybody who
failed to scramble out of the way seems
barharous to us. Yet the modern
driver who expects the right of way
over pedestrians and defiantly takes it
in spite of everything is a common
sight. 1t is true that the spirit behind
the two riders is not exactly the same
The chariot would not swerve from its
path of destruction. The automobile
driver depends on his quick eye and
the delicate mechanism of his car to
avoid an accident if the troublesome
pedestrian fails to jump.
Unfortunately, sometimes the driver
m~iscalculates and an accident occurs.
But the driver Is convinced that the
person on foot precipitated the affair.
On the other hand pedestrians are
inclined to think that traffic regula-
tons are for vehicles only. Children
on roller skates and boys on bicycles
and danger Of the streets. Children
on skates and bicycles can be seen
everywhere counting danger by hanging
on machines and daShing between
swiftly moving cars.
To sum it up, the pedestrian is
r~esentful because he thinks the mo-
torist wants the earth. and the man
in the car grows irate at the jay
walker.
Experiments In Courtesy
The mental attitude of all the fac
a lot Of trouble, Mr.. Zerbee thinks.
He became convinced some time ago
that 80 per cent of the automobile &C
cidents could be eliminated if a more
eonsiderate spirit prevailed.
He tried experiments in courtesy
when driving his car and when walk
/ ing. and he was surprised at the re-
suits. The people he encountered
flashed back courtesy. Mr.. Zerbee
checked up and found that his nerves
were less tense than when he went
about with an every-man-for-himself
feeling. Furthermore, being courteous
~ -,~Nt-t,~ aN,,rtnp- ~,.t hg-, -, -
cheerful frame of mind. Courtesy pays,
was Mr.. Zerbee's conclusion, and the
more people that practice it the better.
So he started the motorists c%ivility
club.
His club is not a reorganization that
meets and reads scientific papers. 1t is
more a state of mind. Mr.. Ierbee de-
signed a sticker badge for the wind
shield of members who plege them
selves to let caution and courtesy rule
their machines. He also devised a creed
which would be on the reverse side of
the sticker to remind the driver of his
pledge.
The credo is in general terms and
it is intended to cover every situation
where the driver must choose be-
tween selfishnesS and consideration.
The terms are as follows:
Caution viii obey all traffic reg
ulations.
Courtesy will not assume road
superiority.
3--Courtesy will not become i'm
patient when Caution delays.
4-Caution will dim his lights to
Courtesy.
~a-Courtesy viii politely Caution
pedestrians.
6--Courtesy will not cross Cautions
path.
S-Courtesy will never create
Cautions hazard.
a-Courtesy's speed will be govern
ed by Caution.
~1o-Courtesy and Caution viii Carry
Onto Safety.
As an illustration of number three
Mr.. Zerbee points out that along park