The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-12-16
URGES
END Of GRADE
CROSSINGS
National Conference on High
way Safety Holding Final
Session Here

Heavy penalties for reckless
driving and any other fragrant dis
regard for the rights Of others
were recommended by the national
conference on street and highway
safety on the second and final day
Of its meeting In the United States
Chamber of Commerce building to-
day.
The conference today began vot-
ing on the consolidated reports of
the various committees which COM
prise the safety group. By noon
the conference had debated its way
through the section pertaining to
legislative principles.
Argument centered principally
upon the subsection regarding the
elimination ON grade crossings. In
SO far as the meat" Of this pro-
Vision was concerned, the meeting
was unanimous.
Eliminate Crossings
Elimination of grade crossings,
either by relocation Of highways or
rail lines or by grade separation,
constitutes the only perfect soIu-
ton OF the grade crossing problem"
read the basic proposal. The con-
ference seemed divided, however, on
suggestion that it approve tho
law adopted in several States, call
ing upon motorists to stop before
crossing rails.
This question brought out numsr-
Gus orators, who threshed the
matter out until Frederick A.
Delano, the chairman, with the
consent of the meeting, put a limit
upon debate. The conference then
unanimously approved, in principle
an amendment providing for The
selection of grade crossing stops by
State highway commissions or sim
liar agencies.
Briefly, the section of the reuort
adopted by the conference today
stated:
Favor Few Laws.
There should be "a minimum of re.
trictive laws" because history shows
that restrictive measures written
without regard to economic needs
have always proved a failure.
Regulatory Legislation should be
for adoption by States, and not by
cities, the latter being entrusted
with the formulation and enforce
ment of ordinances covering local
conditions"
An adequately manned traffic di.
vision In the police department, with
traffic safety a major function, Z"
should be established in all cities.
A special traffic planning commits
sion should be created in all cities
for efficient traffic control
Special traffic courts, both CITY
and rural" should be established,
for the present and effective han
ding Of traffic violations"
Speed Limit Zones.
Speed-limit zones should be es.
tablished, with regard to local con-
ditions. Regulation of speed should
be aimed at reckless, driving and,
as far as possible, should be uni
form throughout the country.
Sufficient Fairgrounds should be
provided in every city to prevent
playing In dangerous streets. Other
matters treated in the report were
certification Of titles, reporting and
investigation Of accidents, safety
education in schools. provision Of
traffic facilities and licensing of
drivers.
Visit Coolidge.
Arrangements were made during
the morning for a visit to President
Coolidge at the White House. at Q
O'Clock. 1t was planned to resume
consideration and voting upon the
consolidated report and the program
OF future activities. The meeting
will close late today.
1t is probable that the traffic
conference will become an annual
event. 1t is known that Secretary
Hoover approves this means Of
bringing together representatives Of
every mode Of transportation, for
the joint discussion and consider.
alton OF traffic problems. BY an
annual meeting, he feels, the prog
ress Of traffic control can be
gagged and plans for betterment of
unsatisfactory conditions worked
out by well. Uniformed persons.