Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-20
POLICE MAY CURB
MOTOR CYCLE USE
Board of Surgeons Cites Fa-
talities and Damage to
Health by Earring.

Restriction in the use of motor cycles
by the Police Department to few in the
Traffic Bureau is expected to follow a
report submitted to Maj. Henry G. Pratt,
chief of police, by the board of police
surgeons, calling attention to the num-
Der of accidents and fatalities occur
ring to officers on motor cycles, as well
as to the organic diseases caused off,
GERS. regardless Of accidents. by the
constant Earring on the system occa-
stoned by riding motor cycles.
Maj. Pratt said he has synpat hized
with the view expressed in the report
for some time. but action will probably
await a report of special committee
asked for In the surgeons recommends
ton. The men taken off motor cycles,
If the decision is reached to reduce the
number, will be placed in light cars, az
fast as the latter are added to the equip
ment of the department.
Increase in Work.
During the past three years." the re-
port reads, there has been steady in
crease in the work of the surgical de-
partment of the board of police and fire
surgeons--so much so that two years
ago it was necessary to appoint an addi-
tional surgeon specialist. and in this
connection I have to report that the
surgical conditions were and are grow
ing out of all proportion to the medical
work. -
while this condition with respect to
surgery is true in both the Police and
Fire Departments. It is. however, most
conspicuous in the Police Department.
In view of the fatalities and the very
dangerous and serious injuries received
by our men. resulting suffering, enor-
nous loss of time from duty, and
mounting hospital expenses, the board
has devoted considerable time to sur
vey as to the causes of this condition
with the hope that some saving of life,
suffering, loss of service by the depart
ment of injured men,, and saving of
money expended in their care could be
effected.
Activity of Cycle Group.
"Dr. Borden and myself In study of
the matter and a. check UP from time to
time are of the opinion that, while the
causes of the injuries are varied, we can
not escape the conviction that by far the
most serious are occurring among the
motor cycle group-that is, the ratio for
men engaged is far ahead of those out
side. It is noted, too, that the motor
cycle group represents the young. active
and mentally alert type of the force.
and that in addition to those fatally
injured, the nature of the injuries re-
ceived is so severe as to permanently
impair the future usefulness of those
who escape fatality. 1t is noted, also,
that there is showing up among the
motor cycle group a series of physical
damage other than accidents. Three or
four cardiac cases came under our OBJ
servation during the past year as a re-
suit of jar and strain. AS matter OF
fact 1t was necessary to retire one young
man, Roche, with a dangerous heart
lesion, which developed very abruptly.
Some months ago the board of sur
geons called attention to memorandum
to the Commissioners, the major and
superintendent OF police, and the chief
engineer Of the Fire Department the
enormous increase in casualties with
accompanying fatalities. serious injuries,
loss Of service and the enormous eX-
penditure of money for the care of those
injured, and suggested that a committee
be appointed to take up the matter OF
determining whether, without jeopardiz-
ing efficiency, many of these accidents
could not be avoided. We believe that
such study, so far BE 1t relates to the
Police Department, will show the motor
cycle group to be one of the chief suf-
ferers. This recommendation is re-
newed."
The report is signed by Or. James j.
Eilroy, chairman of the board.