The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-30
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From tune 1mme memO Orlal publ1c- spirited people in every state have attempted to eliminate grade crossings. Almost invariably, however, railroads have succeeded in defeating such efforts.
 And now the bureau of public roads of the United States depart ment of agriculture, in formal statement, declares: Grade cross ing accidents continue to in- crease"
 The Interstate Commerce Com mission reports that in the final quarter of 1922, 517 persons were killed and TITO injured at grade crossings, an increase of sixteen fatalities and 105 injuries in com parison with the same period of 1921.
 The bureau of roads continues: Tt has been suggested that an increase is to be expected since the number of motor vehicles and highway traffic is increasing. But this should be the reason for addi- tioual preventive measures rather than satisfaction with the situa- tion.
 There is only one safest way to prevent accidents where high ways and railroads intersect. That Is by a complete separation of the grades by means of sub ways and viaducts."
 That proposed remedy Is recog- nized everywhere. it Is pointed out, but is not applied generally. The construction of subways and via ducts would cost money, and the railroads would be required to bear their portion of the burden. Thus the motive of the railroads is opposing remedial legislation.
 And human lives, the bureau of roads says, are sacrificed increas- ingly.
 The bureau points out the fact that in some states remedial at- tempts have been impaired by willingness of legislators (possibly moved by the necessity of com promise) to deal softly with com mon carriers.
 Thus 8 few states have enacted laws requiring users of highways to come to a full stop at grade crossings.
 "The general application of such a law" says the bureau, Heads to absurdities and unnecessary in convenience. For example, one of the principle state highways lead ing west out of Raleigh, North Carolina, crosses a branch line of a railroad running into the state fair grounds. This switch track is used for only a few days each year, but under the law all traffic over one of the principle highways in the state must stop at this crossing S65 days per year"
 The bureau suggests that at such branch crossings the trains should be required to stop rather than the users of the highway, and that if users of highways are to be required ever to stop, it should be where the main line crosses the pavement.
 While the situation is serious, the bureau is hopeful that public opinion will crystalize to such ex- tent that opposition will eventual ly be brushed away like chaff be- fore a wind. This will lead 10 the only right solution" the state ment continues, that is, the sepa- ration of the grades"
 Tn the future there Is little doubt but that aged citizens re- membering the existence of grade | crossings, will regard the past as a crude age and this ever-present source of danger to life and limb relic of barbarian.
 Now, however, it is live prob lem requiring the attention of those willing to fight for refor- nation that nd one will deny should be brought about.