Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-28
UHE belief that the control OF
pedestrians at all intersec-

lions controlled either by
traffic signal lights or po-
ncemen is beneficial to the Sale-
guarding of human life ana the
allowing of freer movement OF We
hicles IS borne out in the replies
received in a Nation wide canvass
conducted by the American Busi-
ness Club. This local organization
headed by Ralph 8, Fowler: SEM
QUESTIONABLE to police chlefs ana
traffic directors OF zoo cltlts
throughout the United states
whose population was or eXceeoeo
10000. -.
This QUESTIONABLE asked Il
there existed any regulation pro-
hibiting pedestrians from walking
against the stop signal, and II
such a ruling was deemed wise OF
unwise. To date 1872 replies have
been received. These replies re-
vealed that 70 cities had such a
regulation. and of this number 50
were enforcing it. The average
length of enforcement was four
years. Eighty-SiX heads deemed
the regulation as wise, and ii DIS
approved it.
Fatalities Reduced.
Many of the police heads stated
that pedestrian fatalitie, had
been reduced AZ per cent since
such a control II the intersections
had been put : =. effect. Among
the present Il IS 1t was found
that eight cities have maximum
fine of 500 or more for conviction
on the third offense of jaywalking
or walking against the stop signal.
Two of these, Dallas and San An
tonic, Texas, have a maximum
fine of 5000. In Sioux City, Iowa,
offenders are given an alternative
of 500 fine or 80 days jail SEN
tence. Atlanta, Ca, reported that
their pedestrian control is the
most successful traffic regulation
they have and that pedestrian IA
talities have been reduced IS per
cent
In these cities, it was reported.
an arrested person is forced to
identify himself or herself by
means of letter. bank book. etc.
and accept ticket or go to the
station house with the policeman.
Questions Asked.
The missionaries carried the
following questions: l. Does your
city have a law or regulation
against jaywalking? 2. If SO, how
long has it been in force? 3. II
not, is there a prospect Of such
law being passed in the near fu-
ture? 4. Is the law successful In
your city? 5. How many pedeS-
trian fatalities have occurred
since this law was passed as
against like period before it was
passed? 6. What method do you
use to identify an arrested jay
walker? 7. What is the fine for
conviction? g. How do you govern
the motoriSt who wants to make q
right turn through a stream OF
pedestrians who are moving with
the traffic signals? 9. Is 1t your
personal opinion that such law
is a wise one?
The majority OF replies govern
ing question number 3. which IS
an important one. state that mo-
florists must use caution that the
pedestrian always has the right
OF way-that the motorist can be
prosecuted for reckless driving II
he Is not careful.
Detroits Opinion.
The chief Of police in Detroit
states that the city has no regu-
lation of this nature at present.
but that he is of the opinion that
it would be wise, to have one. Al
bany, N. Y. states that the wis
dom of such a law is purely a
matter of opinion. Ell Paso. Tex,
reports that the city makes no ar
rests for jaywalking. and that pc
destrians jaywalk at their own
risks, but that such a regulation
Is favored by the traffic captain.
Los Angeles has such q regula-
ton. and after four and half
years is in favor Of 1t. The chief
of police Of Chester, Pa, states
that the city has no such regu-
lation. and makes the following
comment: People resent it. Too |
much interference with personal
liberty. If a pedestrian is hit at a
legal crossing, the motorist is re-
sponsible. If jaywalking the pc
destrian is responsible. They all
know it. There are too many fool
laws now. Keep Washington away
from this one"
Chattanooga. Tenn. reports
that the law has been in effec.
four years and that while sta
tiStics are unavailable. there are
fewer fatalities. Fall River, Mass.
reports that while there Is no ex-
listing regulation the plan would
be wise one. Portsmouth, Va, re-
ports that the regulation has been
in effect three years. and that
less fatalities have occurred. The
director Of police Of Springfield.
Ohio. states that he believes the
regulation a wise one. and that
such plan Is being contemplated.
Atlantic City Replies.
The chief of police Of Atlantic
City reports that there is q State
law against jaywalking. but 1t is
not enforced in this city Of pleas
ure." The chief of police OF
Springfield, Mass, states that |
there is no regulation at present.
but that he believes it would be q !
wise one II possible to enforce.
The police commissioner at Kalo-
mazoo, Mich. states that the ordi- |
nance controlling pedestrians has
not only provided for the safety |
OF the pedestrian, but also "eXpe-
dites vehicular traffic by giving
the r1otorist who gets the go !