Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-23
In the Motor World
BY q. ADAMS HOWARD.

| Montgomery, Prince Georges and
Arlington Counties, it is a step in
the right direction. Besides spoil
ing the scenery of the highways,
the billboards are a menace to
safety.
A law requiring official inspec-
ton twice a year of all autonlo-
bileS and trucks has become effec-
tive in Massachusetts,. A similar
law requiring such an inspection
when the commissioner of motor
vehicles deems it necessary has
become effective in Maryland. A
law of this kind is one most
needed. There can be no con-
Scientious objection to it. The
driver Of machine that does not
want his steering wheel in proper
order, his brakes in the proper
condition, and the headlights of
his car in proper adjustment,
should be barred from future
operation Of his vehicle.
The law is safeguard and pro-
lection to every one on the streets
of the city and on the highways
of the country. Massachusetts,
and Maryland have taken a fine
step forward in Safety's interests.
should not be loath to follow their
example.
Promulgated Before.
The idea was promulgated here
some time ago, but unfortunately
was tabled, because few persons
thought that some of the Official"
garages might give out stickerS
and charge money while not
actually inspecting the car. A
fraud of this kind easily could be
taken care of by few inspectors.
The increasing rate of obtain
able speed by the automobile
manufacturers does not keep pace
with speed permitted in various
cities. A plan of doing away with
speed laws, and in its place re-
curing participants in all acct
dents to go into court, and en-
force strictly the regulation
against reckless driving, whether
it be at 40 miles an hour or 5,
might suffice in its stead. Such
plan has been thought Of. The
courts here have stated that very
fast driving might not be con-
Sidered reckless driving at all
times and that a speed Of five
miles an hour at other times
might be considered so. This is
unqueStionably true.
Speaking Of speed, a plan of
limiting the speed of motor boats
has been considered by some. Will
it be airplaneS next? Unfortuna-
tely for some, they have to 60 at
certain high speed to stay aloft.
McLeod's Measure.
The bill of Representative Nc
Leod, introduced recently in Con-
gresS, has its merits and is under
stood to meet with the approval
of the traffic officials here.
The purpose of the bill Is to
provide for the. revocation and
suspension Of operators and
chauffeurS' licenses and regiStra-
ton certificates; to require proof
of ability to respond in damages
for injuries caused by the opera
ton Of motor vehicles; to pre-
scribe the form of and conditions
IN insurance policies covering the
liability of motor vehicle opera
tors; to subject such policies to
the approval of the commissio
of insurance; to constitute the
director of traffic the agent of 4
nonresident owners and operators
of motor vehicles operated in the
District of Columbia for the pur-
pose OF service OF process; to pro-
vide for the report of accidents;
to authorize the director of traffic
to make rules for the adminiStra-
ton of this statute, and to pre-
scribe penalties for the violation
Of the provisions of this act, and
for other purposes"
The bill, if adopted, will elm
mate undesirable drivers from the
streets of Washington. This will
indeed prove beneficial.