The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-22

Motor Vehicle Commissioner Mi chael A. Connor has requested the assistance of the police chiefs of Connecticut in breaking up the "ganging" habit of many truck drivers, the commissioners appeal being based on the assumption that truck parades canybe helted as they pass through city and the drivers compelled to establish reasonable distances between the various day to all police departments on the circuit Commissioner Connor referred specifically to "a recent "ganging" offense reported by motor vehicle inspector, thirty seven private cars being held in parade by eight trucks travelling in compact formation that prevent ed safe passing by traffic behind.
 Dangerous Formation
 "This particular parade" com mented the commissioner, twas composed of trucks owned by New Haven construction company, returning from a road job in Dur ham, New Hampshire. It is reason able to assume that they rolled along in this same 'ganging' forma- tion from the time they left Dur ham until motor vehicle inspector stopped them below Wallingford. As an allustration of how the trucks blocked traffic our inspector fell in with the line on Broad street in Meriden and was not able to reach the lead truck until after passing through Wallingford.
 ''The inspector split the forma- tion up so that the trucks travelled at least a quarter of a mile apart, thus affording passenger traffic an opportunity to pas through the line. am asking the police authorities in the various cities of the state to hold up such truck parades as they pass through and break up the groups so that other traffic will be given proper consideration. We are giving study at this time to meas- ures of traffic administration which will impress truck owners and drivers with the absolute necessity of commercial traffic using roads with due regard for the safety and rights of all other traffic. Truck drivers do not seem to realize the hazardous conditions created by trucks moving in groups"
 Special Action Promised
 In asking for the special coop eration of municipal police depart ments in supervising truck traffic as the commercial vehicles pass through the various cities and towns on the routes used by such vehicles the commissioner pointed out that as trucks pass through the cities and larger towns they must pass under the supervision of traf- fic officers as well as regular patrol- men. The commissioner emphasized the many requests the department has made to truck drivers and fleet operators to consider other traffic and promised summary disciplinary action for drivers continuing to Of- fend. T have a surprise ip store for truck drivers who think the use of their particular vehicles" said the commissioner, in conclu- highways were built for the sole sion. "and when we take the action contemplated am positive the drivers apprehended will operate their trucks thereafter with consid- eration for al ltraffic and observ- ance of our motor vehicle regula- tions."
 Complaints About Lights
 In the same teletype message to | the police chiefs Commissioner Con- l nor requested closer checkup on | all traffic not complying with the regulations re gardin lighting | equipment. Constant complaints | arc being received by the commis- sioner relating to motor vehicles | travelling with only one headlamp or with both lamps out of focus. blinding approaching traffic and l creating another driving hazard. Complaints are numerous, also, |! about tail lights being out or very | dim so that traffic behind a vehi- cle with a poor rear light Is not | properly warned of cars ahead. Uhis negligence in ensuring efficient fights as required by law Is natur- ally noticed more in the winter |