Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-02-17
In the Motor World
BY q. ADAMS HOWARD.

/ same city? If one makes a left
hand turn at an intersection not
controlled by lights or police
man from the center of the street,
why should he have to do differ
emily when the crossing is con-
trolled? How is a visitor to know?
Does even the local motorist
=, know? Casual observation shows
he does not. Two different meth
DDS are apt to cause confusion,
but again that does not show in
the artists carefully prepared
sketches.
The director of traffic is of the
opinion that there are two main
causes of traffic accidents. First,
he claims that many motorists
are unable to judge distances and
rates of speed. This inability, ne
declares, prevents him from hav-
ing a close conception of who is
going to get to an intersection
first and the lack of knowledge If
he has space enough to pass a
moving car before an oncomlng
machine draws near.
The second cause, Mr.. Harland
AYERS, is the fact that many
pedestrians, bicycle riders and
roller skaters at intersections will
dart in front of a machine instead
of behind it.
Correction Difficult.
These two causes certainly have
much to do with many accidents.
The second one Is easier to cor
rect than the first. But the first
is a horse, or rather vehicle, of
another color. 1t is very true that
many drivers cannot judge dis
tances. They are unable to Judge
the rate of speed of an approach
ing car, and really are uncertain
as to which automobile will ar
rive at an intersection first. Many
times they do not know whether
they have time or not to overtake
another car. Side-Swiping and
head-on collisions often result.
This uncertainty of driving is
menace to them and to the mo-
torist or pedestrian nearby. How
this lack of judgment can be rem
edied is the question. Experience
is a good teacher, but it does not
help every one. It would seem
that judgers of distances ana
rates of speed are born. not made.
About the only thing that can be
done about those lacking this
Judgment Is to warn them TO
drive with greater caution. If not
sure, play safe!
Dupont Circle Lights.
FrequenterS of Massachusetts, and
Connecticut avenues, especially
pedestrians, will be gladdened to
know that Dupont Circle is to be
encircled soon with traffic lights.
1t is expected that they will be
installed soon after March 4. The
lights will face each intersection
and will work on one circuit.
Around the circle the lights will
be all green, or all red, at each
given moment. While the red and
overlapping amber is on, there
will be no traffic moving around
the circle.
Pedestrians may scoot in any
direction to their hearts content,
and in absolute safety. It is TO
be hoped that the peanut, balloon
and flower vendors will Scoot, too!
Unbiased as huckSterS, they have
been permitted to congest traffic
during the rush hours by making
their stands on the inner rim Of
the circle. Motorists pull up to
them, often without warning, and
stop. Why the peanuts and bal
looms have survived SO long from
other machines crashing into the
stopped cars remains a mystery.
It is understood that with the
coming of the lights, they, like
the starlings, should seek other
roosting places.
Like installation Of traffic lights
will be followed at Iowa and
Thomas Circles.
Speaking of lights again-those
who cannot appreciate the we'll
arranged planning of this city
should try Baltimore. And any
part! Don't knock your own city
until you see others!