The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-04-28


The regulations say that the
driver of any vehicle intending to
draw out from the curb or from
any parking space shall give an
unmistakabfe signal and shall not
draw out in such manner as to In
terfere With moving traffic ap-
preaching from any direction.
This means that motorists parked
on the side of the street really
enter moving traffic at their own
risk. They must see TO it that
other motorists know of their in.
tention. They cannot suddenly
dash out from a parking space
without warning otner motorists.
Will Lessen Accidents.
An unmistakable signal may mean
merely putting out the hand or
sounding the horn. But the mo-
torist before leaving a parking
space must be sure that oncomfng
motorists know what he intends to
do. The same applies to turning
in the middle of the street.
If motorists observe this rule
there will be few accidents result
ing from confusion which comes
when motorists join moving traffic
from parking place." SAYS Direc-
tor of Traffic M. o. Eldridge.
Following this rule also will re-
duce accidents which occur in slow
moving traffic. such as one car
running into the back of another.
If motorists give their own signal
properly and watch the other mans
signal. there will be few accidents
of this kind"
After a motorist has given an
Inmistakable signal that he intends
TO join the traffic line or that he
plans to turn around, other moto--
lists are required to bring their
cars under such control as to avoid
an accident.
The regulations declare that the
motorist must heed all warnings.
Motorists and pedestrians meeting
street cars at intersections are re-
required 10 pay close attention 10
motornen before passing in front
Of the car.
a driver Of a street car saws
the regulation, shall Indicate, by an
unmistakabl e wave Of the hand. TO
approaching pedestrians and drivers
whether they may pass safely in
front of the car"
There has been considerable con.
fusion in the past from the three
hand signals. Motorists have found
1T difficult to give these signals. ard
motorists nearby have found it dif-
Iicult to interpret them.
Under the present regulations.
one signal is necessary to indicate
the car is being brought to a stop,
another to indicate making a right
hand turn and still third TO
indicate making a left hand turn.
Now there Is but one signal
extending the hand. This NAV
mean anything. Motorists noting
this signal should be prepared for
stop or turn by the signaller.
They must bring their cars under
control to prevent colliding with
the signal1er.
Automatic Signals o. X.
Director Eldridge has put his OK.
on automatic signals in the rear
He believes they are just as effec.
tive as handsignals. After Jan.
uary l, next, however, all such
electric or mechanical signals shall
be equipped with amber colored
lights. This will prevent any con-
fusion between these signals and
the regular red rear lights.
After next Monday, drastic new
regulations become effective rela.
tive to the granting of permits to
operate motor vehicles in the Dis.
trfct. Director Eldridge is de-
termined, in so far as possible, to
keep permits away from convicted
criminals. He wants permits given
only to responsible persons. All
applications must be made under
oath.
In addition to the regular mental
test OF knowledge Of the regulations
and the demonstration, tests will be
made to determine whether eve
sight and hearing is good. In case
OF a doubt, competent physicians
viii be called upon to decide.
The new regulations provide for
the issuance of a ten-day permit
after an applicant has displayed his
ability to drive in the congested
section and his knowledge of the
regulations. During the ten-day
high was erected in RerIin aud