Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-02-17
Taking Autos From Reckless
Drivers Is Urged by. Expert
Says Car Not Used With Due Regard
for Public Safety Has No Right
on Public Streets.

ANN ARBOR. Mich, February TO-
"The ear whose driver recklessly or
drunkenly puts human life in jeopardy
| has no right on street or highway.
Take 1t away from, him. Let the pun
ishment follow the car as well as
the drive. The automobile industry
recommends this penalty in addition
70 all others now applicable where
Che offense has been proved after due
process of law. The terms during
which the car Is impounded should
vary. according TO the seriousness Of
the nffense.'
This declaration. shot forcefully
; into the proceedings of the tenth
annual conference on highway en-
gineering at the University of Mich
igan by GEORGE VI. Graham. was
dramatic event of Wednesdays pro-
ceedinGS.
Mr.. Graham Is chairman of the
newly appointed traffic planning and
safety committee. representing the
Automobile ManufactureTs Associa-
ton. the National Automobile Cham
! Der Of Commerce.
Authority Of Industry.
Therefore his drastic recommends
ton C. fried the full authority of the
takes its place among the leaders in
dem, nding the safeguarding of traffic
"The automobile is a benefit to civ
iiization." said Afr. Graham. 1T must
the small minority. of owners, less
, than ) per cent, who do not drive con-
;idcra tely.
''The man who cannot drive care
fully has no right on the highway.
Neither has his car, ..
ha1
small efficacy as 4 punishment Tor
reck leSS driving. Tie suspension and
revocation of licenses are much more
effective. Jail sentences are better
ways should be granted Only to those
who use Il car wisely and fairy.
Our plan calls for the impounding
of ears, where after due process OF
law the offense of reckless \drivIng
has been proven We believe that the
days. and that the period of impound-
ing should be extended according 10
the seriousness of the offense.
Dangers of speed.
Massachusetts statistics have
shown that 80 per cent of 500 motor
car fatalities resulted from driving
too fast for conditions. statistics
also show that about 10 per cent OF
the accidents followed the driving of
4 u
"'rhe fear of God must be put into
the numbering criminals who cause
such accidents
We believe that our suggestion Of
'mpounding is feasible. 1t Will reach
many minor offenses for which juries
,ow hesitate to impose Jail sentences
We have not taken this step
without carefully checking the legal
.:dc.' continued Mr.. Graham.
att is part of police practice to con-
tiScate that which is used to the det-
riment of the public. We constantly
see police taking away murderous
weapons gambling devices, drugs, al
coholic liquors and the vehicles in
which they are conveyed.
Holds Plan Legal.
I'VE believe that even under pres
ent law our suggestion is legal. II
not, we shall recommend the enact
ment by all the legislatures of laws
which will make our impounding plan
possible.
1.-THE industry is having prepared a
specimen law, SO that all those who
desire to know what would be a
proper enactment drawn with regard
to constitutional limitations and prac-
ticai effectiveness, may have a copy.
The National Automobile Chamber of
Commerce will be pleased to supply
such copies without charge.
Our plan does not comprise the
establishment of municipal pounds.
This would mean expense. 1t might
lead to graft. 1t might raise Ques
tions of liability in respect to the