Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-27
In the Motor World
BY q. ADAMS HOWARD.
THE placing of the signs on
various thoroughfareS indi-
1 eating the timing of the

ME pldClLlS VI GIlc SlBuS VI
various thoroughfares indi-
eating the timing of the
n traffic lights has been g
failure so far in regard to speed
ing up the movement of motor
vehicleS-a result hoped for By
the director of traffic.
It was thought that these signs
would enable drivers to govern
their speed so as to catch the
green signal at intersections more
frequently, relieve congestion and
quicken the flow of traffic more
generally.
UncOncerned Drivers.
Such, unfortunately, has not
been the case, or at least not to
any appreciate degree. This is
due to the many drivers who
cruise along the center of the
highways, unconcerned and I'M
mindful of everything except
maybe the conversation going on
In their machine. If they are at
an intersection when the light
turns green, several seconds have
to pass before they are aware of
tor at least it seems so.
These drivers will not pull over
to the right to allow any one to
90 by them at a legal rate of speed.
Technically it is failure to give
the right of way. Apprehension of
this violation of the traffic regu-
lation is difficult, but a gesture
along this line might prove bene-
ficial.
The director of traffic has re-
ceived many letters of commenda-
ton concerning the placing of the
timing signs and contemplateS
putting more of them up. I'm
questionably, these signs are an
aid and cooperation of every
driver will allow minutes to be
taken off in safety on his way to
and from his Office.
Further Plans.
Further plans to speed up traf-
fic in safety are being considered
in the office of the director Of
traffic. A study has been made of
conditions on lower Sixteenth
street. The present timing of the
lights is 38 seconds showing green
on the through street. This allows
traffic to move at II miles per
hour and at some intervening
streets % miles per hour. 1t is
being considered to add another
second to the cycle, which would
speed traffic to 18 and 10 miles per
hour in some places and as high
as "a miles in others. It is believed
that increasing the speed limit
above the present maximum
would work out without endanger-
ing the safety of any one. The
director of traffic has the author
ity to do this, subject to the ap-
prevail of the Commissioners. At
present, however, the plan is only
under consideration.
Extension of Color.
Colors are not confined to auto
mobiles today. One finds them
the latest thing in the furnishing
of homes. Even the old kitchen
sink is not what it used to be-
but the idea goes further.
It is doubtful, however, II the
color craze has gone as far as the
Waterbury Republican points out
editorially. This suggestion is
especially applicable to Connect
cut, for that State has gone far
in road construction. The edl-
torial is as follows:
"Why not" said the back-Seat
driver in her brisk, practical way.
''why not tinted concrete roadS?'
Well, why not? thought the
masculine person in the front seat,
as he realized how hard on his
eyes was the glare of the hot sun
from the new white concrete: He
had been SubconSciously 1rrltated
by this glare for the last dozen
miles, but his duller imagination
had not been set to work. Silently
he paid a tribute to the feminine
minds quick thought for color
and began to speculate upon the
right tint for a highway. A dull
green, he decided, would be the
right thing.
New concrete does not stay glar-
ing white for long, what with oil
drippings, dirt and weathering
but 1t is a long time before 1t
ceases to reflect the sun distress
singly, thus adding to the strain
of driving. It is doubtful If it ever
stops being a source OF some an
noyance in this way. Why not
then, mix enough coloring matter
in the top layer of concrete to do
away with this glare from the
start? It would not be costly, it
would seem, and it would not only
diminish the strain Of driving, but
would also make prettier high
ways.
Let us have green concrete
then, and while we are in the
decorative mood, let us paint
white strip along the outside edge
on each side, to help drivers al
night to keep we'll to the RICH!
when passing other cars withou;
running off into the roads shout
ders. A stripe down the middle
is useful In the day time, but one
along the outside edge would be
more useful at night.
"Nite Coaches" Started.
Facilities for transportation de
not cease. Buses now run acroS!
the continent, connecting practi'
cally all the large cities. Various