Evening star., 1925-03-22
The Director of Traffic.

In the appointment of NJ. o. Ed
ridge, research specialist of the Amer
lean Automobile Association, to the
new Office of director of traffic of the
District of Columbia the Commission
ers have taken a wise step in their eff
forts to improve local traffic condi-
tions. The caution with which that
step was taken indicates their appre.
citation of the vital part the new di.
rector is to play in the eXpediting
and securing of Washington traffic.
Selected from a list of upward of a
score of candidates for the post Great
ed in the traffic law enacted by the
last Congress, Mr.. Eldridge assumes
with his office responsibilities COM
mensurate with his opportunities for
rendering great public service. The
problems with which he is faced are
varied and intricate; the powers he is
to enjoy in seeking their solution are
broadly comprehensive. Reduced to
simple terms he is to undertake, un-
der the new traffic law, to give Wash
ington automobilists smooth and rea-
sonably quick progress upon the city
streets, while affording Washington
pedestrians that measure of safety
which they justly claim.
The new director brings to the task
before him qualifications which en-
inently equip him for this public serv.
ice. He has been resident Of Wash.
ington for 80 years, and has had op-
portunity and occasion to sense and
study the local problem. In his con-
nection with the American Automo.
bile Association he has made scientific
research into the general theory and
practice Of traffic control and direc.
tion. Possessed of recognized execu-
tive ability, convinced of the impor-
tance of the work before him. assured
of a free hand" as he steps into Of
fee, Mr.. Eldridge tackles the lob
ahead of him under encouraging au-
spices.
His work will be facilitated by the
new traffic code which will shortly be
In full operation, which-while carry.
Ing provisions intended to expedite
motor traffic-carries also severe Den.
alties against abuses of speed privi.
leges. Plans have been perfected, with
the installation Of two new Judges at
the Police Court, and with the pros
pective additional hundred of police.
men, adequately to cope with any rea-
in fro ~ r-t.
commissioners and the superintendent
OF police promise their fullest CO.
operation to the end that traffic in the
National Capital may be rendered both
smooth running and safe.
Yet, with all these happy aJsnicas
In his favor, the success or failure of
Mr.. Eldridge or any other eo,rIIv
well equipped man in the job ahead
OF him will depend in tie final
analysis upon support and 'co-opera
tion OF the public, awheel and afoot.
A bad code, badly administered vet
backed by public sincerely anxious
TO Improve traffic conditions, would
achieve more than the best code most
ably administered in the interest. NJ
public careless or disdainful of the
respective responsibilities and obiisa.
tions of motorist and pedestrian. Popu.
lar appreciation Of that fact. popular
determination to facilitate the flow of
traffic and cut down the outrae
iocai Toll in the traffic manned and
Killed popular caution and thoughtful.
ness Will go further to help Mr.. Ed
rldge than all the other assured aids
at his disposal. To the end of a sue.
cessful outcome to his efforts The Star
pespeaks these aids for Mr.. Eldridge.