Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-20

.TRAFFIC fatalities in the Ma
tional Capital continue to
decline, according to the
table of statistics prepared
by William H. Harland, director
OF traffic. Mr.. Harland notes also
that the number of accidents are
decreasing.
Three persons were killed in
January of this year, against
seven during the same month last
year. In February four deaths
occurred, against two in 1929.
Four deaths were caused by traf-
flc accidents in March, against
ten in 1929. Last year ten deaths
were recorded in April and for
the first half of this month only
one has been listed.
So, for the first quarter of this
year the comparison stands at IL
against 10 and there is every rea-
son to expect this promising ratio
will show even greater gains along
the right side of the ledger.
The wedding out of undesirable
drivers is given as the principal
reason for these pleasing figures.
This weeding-out process is at
tanned by cancellation and SuS-
pension of many permits and the
requirement that motorists hav-
ing bad records must undergo an
examination before having their
permits to drive renewed.
More Visiting Motorists.
1t is to be hoped that Washing
ton will continue to lead the cities
of proportionate size in the list
of low fatalities and by an even
greater margin.
These days see a greater num-
Der of visiting motorists in the
city. This influx, welcome as it
is, seems to be messing up our
existing left turns. Unaware of
the rotary turn, which is in use
in comparatively few places, the
visitors are causing much traffic
congestion. 1t is not their fault,
however, for better things could
be expected in the Capital City,
and, so, the residents here should
be patient with them and hope
that they will return some day,
despite the existing traffic per-
pleXity.
If the rotary train must be kept
up, and it appears that the powers
that be so ordain it, it would seem
wise for the traffic authorities to
have Signboards erected at all the
approaches to the city, informing
the incoming drivers just what
1nff fr1r
tunately, it would probably take a
large billboard, for the rotary turn
exists only at controlled interSec-
lions and the regular turn at
others. But maybe an ex-PreSi-
dent could be employed to write
the requirements in a few short
words, thus saving much space
and paint. Then the paint saved
could be used in that entertaining
task of writing keep to the right"
that adornS so many of our load
ing street car platforms.
Handling of the base ball crowds
at the opening game last week
cannot be regarded as entirely
satisfactory. For the half hour
previous to the calling of the game
cars were allowed to come into
Seventh street from all directions,
causing much congestion.
Don's Failure Regretted.
1t is to be regretted that Kaye
Don, the British racing champion,
failed to do more in his tryoutS
to break the world speed records
at Daytonna Beach, Fla. After
attaining the speed of almost 200
miles an hour, engine troubles de-
veloped and the beach condition
became unfavorable for such
bursts of speed.
According to the American
Automobile Association, through
its figures recently compiled, State
motor vehicle taxation continued
its upward trend in 1929 and in
creased nearly three times as
much as motor vehicle registra-
tions. At the same time the aver
age per vehicle tax for the coun-
try increased Is per cent in 1929
over 1928.
The total increase in motor
vehicle registrations for the
United States last year was 8.6
per cent, while the increase in