Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-10-29
Remove the Grade Crossings!

The shocking tragedy of Saturday
night in which two women were killed
and one was injured at the Chestnut
street grade crossing Of the Baltimore
a. Ohio Railroad In Takoma Park has
been characterized as accidental" by
the coroner's jury. Testimony at the
inquest was adduced to show that the
signal lights and the bells warning Of
the approach of the train were working
faultlessly ana that in all probability
the driver Of the car became confused in
the darkness. Additional safeguards at
the crossing were recommended by the
jury to prevent further accidents.
Regardless Of the correctness Of the
verdict in this deplorable affair the jury
In its recommendation did not go nearly
far enough. Only one way exists to pre-
vent g.ade crossing accidents and that
10 the entire elimination Of grade cross
ings. Signal lights, bells, gates and
other warning devices are not effective.
Case after case is on record where mo-
florists have either tried to beat the bells
OF gates or ignored them altogether. In
addition to the motorists attitude
toward grade crossings is the possible
human and mechanical failure at these
points. Watchmen and gatemen have
been known TO be derelict in their duties
and electric signals have in some cases
not operated when a train has entered
a block.
Human nature, being what it is, pre-
cludes the possibility that the motoring
public viii ever learn that carelessness
at crossings has strewn the tracks at
every point where rails and roads inter-
sect with the bodies of victims and the
wreckage of cars. The railroads, safety
agencies and automobile clubs have plas-
tered the country for years with educa-
tional literature, in picture and print.
but to no avail. The public still dashes
on, eager to save minute, even when
the saving of it risks the complete over
balancing of safety and danger and
death under grinding wheels is a prob
ability rather than possibility.
It is obvious, therefore, that there is
only one alternative. Despite the cost
grade crossings must become an evil of
the past. The National Capital has
made much progress in the removal of
this type of death trap, but as was
shown by Saturday nights tragedy this
progress has not prevented loss of lite
nor will it do so until no single crossing
remains to contribute its bit to the
mounting fatality toll of the city and
Nation. Washington still has four grade
crossings, the one at Chestnut street,
which claimed the lives of two victims
and possibly a third so recently: the
Michigan avenue crossing, the Bates
road crossing, both in Brookland, and
the Quarlss street crossing in Kenil-
worth.
In the 1891 budget for the District is
an item for the removal Of the Chestnut
street crossing. Fern street is to be cut
through and viaduct constructed over
the tracks at this point. If 1891 is as
soon as the improvement can be effected,
so be it; but in the meantime a study
should be made in order that the other
three crossings should receive the same
remedial treatment. In most agitation
for public improvements a 1ull generally
occurs after a shocking accident has
been forgotten. Washingtonians. how
ever, do not have a chance to forget.
The picture is always before them and
recurring tragedies have brought senti-
ment for removal Of all grade crossings
to high pitch. This sentiment should
be needed by the legislators Of the Ma
tional Capital.