Evening star., 1923-10-09
The Lamond Grade Crossing.

No specific evidence is needed to
demonstrate that the grade crossing
at Lamond. near this city, is.a deadly
danger. Even though there had been
no fatality there the mere existence
OF l...s pace, where the road traffic
intersects the railroad line, would
be enough to establish the risk Of
tragedy. But in the light Of yester-
days accident facts appear which
leave no question Of gross neglect on
the part Of those who should be quick
to safeguard the public.
This crossing Is not guarded"
There is no watchman, and there are
no gates. The only safeguard afford
ed the people who must use the pas
sage across the tracks is 4 gong which
rings upon the approach of Il train.
This is not protection" 1t is a warn
Ing, but it serves only when it is
heard. In the case of a closed motor
car. such as that which was hit yes
terday, it is quite possible that the
bell may not be heard.
Many million dollars were spent
some years ago by the District, the
government and the railroads in the
elimination of grade crossings within
the city and for, a certain distance
outside of the strictly urban limits.
Later some of the suburban crossings
were corrected with bridges or under
passes. Rut some remain, such as this
deadly one at Lamond. Pleas for its
abolition have been uttered and
pressed by the residents Of the region,
but no heed has been given. The item,
estimated at $50, 900. has been laid
aside in favor of other items regarded
as of more Importance. Now three
lives have been sacrificed, and unless
the best of good fortune is experienced
other lives will be lost at this same
place before the crossing is cured.
For cured it must be, eventually. 1t
IS inconceivable that this open cross
ing will be allowed to continue to in.
vite people to their death. Probably
at first gates will be erected, with a
watchman stationed at the place at all
hours. Surely no less can be done.
Even that will perhaps be done reluc-
tantiy on the score of the expense.
It matters nothing that possibly the
driver OF the motor car destroyed yes
terday with its three occupants was
.ndiscreetly hurrying TO cross the
tracks, either without ascertaining
the condition or with the mistaken
idea of getting over ahead of the
train. However blameworthy he may
have been, the fact remains that the
evil condition was present, inviting
and permitting him to get upon the
tracks in front of q locomotive. 1t
should have been impossible for him
to do so. To make it thus impossible
10 the duty Of the government and
the railroad.
Let it be assumed that this Lamend
crossing will be corrected without
further delay. But there are others
within the District quite as danger
GUS. Are they to wait until fatalities
force action there as well? Should not
every such death trap be eliminated
at one stroke. completing the good
work done some years ago, work start
ed after long delay that took a ter.
rible toll from the Capital?
The plea OF contributory negligence
on the part of the road user does not
justify the continued maintenance Of
an evil that daily, hourly, menaces
life. It must be assumed that while a
roadway is open people, however fool
ishly, will continue to use it, regard
less of conditions. The road must be
made foolproof. That IL the duty Of
the public authorities. In this case
the conditions were such as to leave
the responsibility squarely upon those
who, however scattered in their ac-
countability, District officials. budget
officials, Congress and railroad, have
failed to provide the protection re-
uuired.