Evening star., 1932-05-08
SHORT time ago William A.


n vehicles and traffic, stated
that he wished there was some
better way of sizing up an ap-
plicant for a driving permit. He
intimated that knowledge of the
traffic regulations, experience as
to the method of properly start
ing, stopping, and turning ma
chine was insufficient. In other
words, Mr. Van DuZer meant that
he was deSirouS of determining
the reasoning capacity of the
would-be motoriSt. Before the
granting of a permit to drive, Mr..
Van Duzer would like to know if
the driver would be able to take
proper care of situation in an
emergency.
A Difficult Problem.
This would seem to be a most
difficult problem, but a problem.
If only partially solved, that would
unquestionably play an important
part in reducing further acci-
dents. 1t is the driver who cam
not think quickly, and often who
cannot evenly slowly think Of the
right thing to do that is respon-
Sible for far more accidents than
the reckless driver. Fortunately
the reckless driver. in the ma
jority of cases, is the driver who
can think without seconds hesi
tation. He will often come to
grief, of course, but many times
he will be saved by quick think
ing. Being reckless, he will not
think about others, but in times
of an emergency he will think
about himself. A driver who can
not think will not often be reck-
less, although he will cause lot
of trouble by his stupidity.
Admittedly difficult, this prob
lem is certainly worth consider
ing However, it would be worth
time and money to solve. Any
thing is worthwhile that will tend
to make the highways safer and
thus reduce the number of in
jurieS and fatalities.
A Mental Test.
1t appears to really test the
mental qualifications Of driving
applicant it would be necessary
to take him out on the open road
Just driving him around a few
blocks in traffic and making him
park is not enough. Have the ap-
plicant drive with a police in
Structor around the city into the |
country and see what he does. |
Notice if he keeps in the proper
traffic lanes, notice if he gives |
way to a car attempting to pass, |
notice his consideration for pedes |
trians, notice if he can properly |
gauge the distance between an |
oncoming car and the one he is
attempting to pass. Take him up |
on Wisconsin and Massachusetts, |
avenues and notice if he drives
into the right lane and continues |
at the right traffic light signal.
Notice how he takes turn on the
open road, notice If he slows down
where a connecting road joins the
main thoroughfare. Take him out |
in dry weather and in wet wealth |
er. Take him out in the daytime !
and at night. Then If he does !
all the required things right, give |
him his permit. If he does not,
then refuse this privilege to him.
Allow him to practice with some
licensed operator for the next 10 |
days and then put him over the
course again.
The test is severe. 1t will take /
time, men and money. But it Is
worth it,. Human lives must be
protected at all costs. Jail the |
reckless, driver and keep the man
unfit off the streets!
Intersection for Thinkers.
Mentioning above the intersec-
ton of Wisconsin and MaSsachu-
sets avenues brings forth point.
The signal system there has been
in operation long enough for all
residents of this city to know just
what 1t is all about. The system
works we'll It Is an unusual in
tersection and the lights really |
control the situation. Some motor
lists may complain about the
lights being on too long or too
short a time for some of the
turns. That may be so, but the
system itself works.
However, watch at that inter-
section will bring forth some in
teresting observations. Every day |
and almost at every hour an OBJ
server will see drivers who do not |
think. Although the lanes are
plainly marked, many motorists
do not know what to do, and only
a few of this class is enough to
tie up any artery. They cannot
think because the situation is diff
ferent from the other intersec-
tions in the city. This is no ex-
cuse, for many different things
will turn up while motoring II
only a few miles People who
cannot think ought not to drive.
If they cannot think at this in
tersection, there is no good reason
to believe that they can think
elsewhere.
Machines of today do every
thing but think. 1t is up to the
driver to think for himself Think
ing lends to knowledge and |
knowledge is power 1t is useless
to have a l00-horsepower engine |
and have no power yourself.
Night Driving Safety.
Another thought for safety is |
brought out by Harvey L. Cobb, I
general counsel of the American |
Motorists Association, through a
study Of a recent court ruling.
An automobile must be driven |
at all times at night SO that it |
can be stopped within the range |
| ANTND nNA'rc