Evening star., 1934-12-23

high death rate is, 1t is a wont
higher.
But there is another cause, often
overlooked, that also comes under the
name of selfishness and lack of con-
sideration. This cause is not evi-
denced on the street, but in the Dis
trict Building and the traffic Office.
In these two places, almost daily, are
individuals protesting and objecting
to very nearly all plans of the Com
missioners, traffic officials and police
heads. These "antis" do not base
their contentious on what they think
right for the majority of Washington
mans, but what might inconvenience
themselves.
Many Kn0w-It-AIls.
They set themselves up as knowing
more than those in charge of traffic
and unfortunately prevent many wise
proposals. Condemnation is always
louder than praise or approval. As
rule the majority of those favoring a
plan remain silent, while the objectorS
are most vociferouS.
If the traffic director believes GER
tain streets one-way to be safer, an
nual inspection of automobiles needed,
financial responsibility regulation de-
sirable, restriction on parking nee
essary, or additional traffic lights re-
quired, he is at once beSet with many
and variegated lamentations.
He has made a thorough study of
the conditions before promulgating
them. The authors Of complaints have
made none. They think, however,
that the proposal will discommode
them. That is enough. At once they
start up their opposition. They bring
pressure to bear with often the result
that worthwhile measures are de-
layed or tabled.
Noteworthy among these actions Is
the parking ban advocated by the
Traffic Advisory Council. Automotive
students were for it, but a handful of
'inconvenienced" persons succeeded in
delaying its adoption.
Something Must Be Done.
Traffic conditions are bad in Wash
1ngton. Something must be done
Those in charge are doing all in their
power to make the streets safer But
to make their work effective, co-opera-
tion must be had.
Selfshness and lack of considera-
tion will continue to take their toll
of life. District residents must take
broader outlook on the traffic situa-
tion and pull together for the greater
good for the community as whole.
Many traffic necessities are disagree
able, but should be regarded as pre-
ventive medicine. Nothing can be
done about the 120-odd persons who
have lost their lives this year, but
something can and must be done to
protect lives in the future.
Now, one parking ban or one one
way street is not going necessarily to
save some life, cut cooperation and
backing of the traffic officials in their
proposals may save many lives.
Washington is big city. Let its
residents act in a big way!
Massachusetts,, often in the lead in
motor vehicle regulation, has its own
problems concerning traffic fatalities.
According to the Automotive Daily
News, the Bay State is really plan
ming drastic action this time.
Governors Planned for Cars.
Frank A. Lyman, chairman of the
Massachusetts, Public Works Com
mission, that has control of motor
vehicles through the registry depart
ment, proposes to file two bills in
the 1885 Legislature that should cause
automobile manufacturers, as we'll as
IN Ciu
Not tomorrow, next week or next year,
but now.
One bill proposes to put governors
on passenger cars to limit speed to
SO miles an hour The other will
post highways with SO miles the
maximum speed at any time. When
the news was printed many seemed
to consider the governors sort of a
joke. That had been advocated sew
eral times in the last few years. But
the Bay State officials have way of
doing things to establish precedents.
Back of the action Of Commissioner
Lyman Is the record of many pedes-
trians being killed this year among
the more than 900 motor fatalities
Also many hit-and-run drivers not
being caught. His department has
had inspectors making a check on
speed along the new State roads and
they found many hitting rs to 80 miles
an hour and more every day.
Action Not a Joke.
Those who can sense possibilities
do not consider Lyman's action a
Joke. Public sentiment can bring
about changes that seemed remote
possibilities. It is possible that If a
QUESTIONABLE were sent to all owners
in Massachusetts, a large percentage
would agree that governors were a
good thing. They would be thinking
of their own safety jeopardized by
the speed maniacs.
Some may claim the law could not
be enforced, as owners would tamper
with governors. Possibly But the
Legislature could make the penalty
severe enough to make motorists
think-for example, making it manda-
tory for judges to impose Jail sentences
In such cases, so there would be no
suspended sentences, fines, etc.
It would seem to be an impossible
task to make every owner of car
put on a governor. With 100000 or
more cars the cost would run into
millions. But the motor registrar
might be given permission to have
his inspectors make check on speed,
and where drivers were going from
rs miles upward, give them the option
of putting on governors or canceling
their registrations and driving licenses.
That would be start.
Keystone Sees Restrictions.
"Unless that element in motoring
responsible for the fearful toll of
highway deaths and injuries Is
brought under control, the entire
motoring public will face drastic re-
striction of the liberties and privileges
now enjoyed"
That warning is sounded by the
keystone Automobile Club in state
ment deploring the upward trend OF
automobile fatalities, marked, In
rnanu instances ic r,Ointad nl1t "bV