Evening star., 1932-06-05
In the Motor World
BY G. ADAMS HOWARD.

"HERE Is no depression in tn.
number of traffic fatalities anc
accidents. In these days o1
business worries and troubles
every one Is taking saner ano
more serious outlook on life except III
regards to motoring. Dwarfed mental
ity is still existent among many OF the
men and women behind the steering
wheel. Unfortunately their attitude
does not only bring danger to them
selves, but to countless other people who
think right and are innocent.
II machine was as dangerous 10
life and property as some of the drivers
1t would not be on the highways, but In
a repair shop. A pity it is that there
Is not some repair shop for drivers or
some anti-knock gas that would pep
up their mental inferiorit.es.
It is the same at night as during the
day. At all times the streets OF the
cities, the highways of the country are
filled with q menacing group to safety.
Utter disregard for the rights Of others
is constantly portrayed.
Scene Of Recklessness.
Even the wide Baltimore-W Washing
ton boulevard is the scene OF reckless
ness that prevents that splendid road
way from being safe. Despite the erec-
ton of signs all along the thorough
fare that the left lane is only for pas
sing, scores Of vehicles are continually
seen running along at all speeds as II
it was a private course for each 1ndl-
vidual.
One old rule of the road calls for
the driver of vehicle to pull over to
the right when a horn is sounded be-
hind him so that the driver of the car
in back may pass Not only will many
motorists disregard this signal. but will
rull out to the left and attempt to
pass a car himself The danger of this
action is apparent.
During any drive around the National
Capital scores of drivers will be seen
cutting in when a car is approaching
from another direction and passing OH
a hill or a curve where the view Is ell
tirely obstructed a few feet ahead
What is the desire of motorist to
beat the other fellow to it when tht
it in question is an accident? Is II
a form of sadism? If So the asylums
are full of people with less insanity
traits.
Cardinal Virtues Needed.
Among the cardinal virtues needed by
the motorist who would drive with safe
ty.according to Sidney J. Williams, pub
ty Council, should be listed alertness, a
nicely balanced sense of confidence. and
an appreciation of highway etiquette.
Confidence goes hand in hand with
alertness. he says. 1t should be pitched
to Just the right degree. Too much
confidence leads to disaster and toe
little means a dangerous timidlty. T1mld
drivers slow up or stop at intersections
when they should go ahead, which l.
just about as bad as going ahead when
they should stop. To drive IN heavy
traffic requires steady hand and Ill
alert brain.
Driving a car" says Williams, sis
practical exercise in the application OF
the Golden Rule. Assuming that you
know how to drive-for no amount OF
good intentions will replace necessary
knowledge and skill-the rest can be
summed up very simply. Just consider
the other driver and the pedestrian
and behave toward him as you would
like to have him act toward you II
your positions were reversed. If y
motorist will do that he will be safs
driver"
The Financial Status.
In this day of budget balancing thu
financial story of motor accidents Is ol
interest. On this matter one OF tht
large insrance companies has the FOL.
lowing to say:
Wrong conditions are too often per.
nitted to exist until their results ar.
so apparent that the need for correc'
ton becomes obvious to all.
During the last quarter century there
has come about revolution in the
methods of personal transportation. The
automobile has changed materially the