Evening star., 1935-09-14
National Advisory Committee for
AeronauticS.

National Advisory Committee for
AeronauticS.
In sounding the keynote for the
new subcommittee, Chairman Owen
pointed out that the man who is
most in need of traffic education is
the type of man who is not being
reached by the present methods He
said that one of the chief goals for
the subcommittee membership is to
work out means of reaching the type
Of motoriSt who is 'habitually lax n
observing safety precautions.
He particularly stressed the urgent
necessity for arouSing Washington pc
deStrianS 10 the need for the StricteSt
observance OF traffic lights and other
methods of highway control, which
serve as much to protect the person
on foot as 10 safeguard the man be-
hind the wheel
There was preliminary discussion
cS methods to be employed in gaining
the attention Of pedeStrianS-through
newspapers, the radio, street car CARDS,
posters ana QUIET NSNo
were left 10 be worked out later.
The question Of the necessity for
creation in the District government
q the post OF public safety direc-
tor also will be considered by the sub
committee. A number of American
cities now have such officials on the
public pay rolls, it was pointed out.
Morgue Visits Weighed.
The group also will consider the
possibility of establishing training
schools for motorists and pedestrians.
The suggestion was made that motor
lists arrested for reckless driving,
speeding and similar offenses be COM
pelled to inspect the bodies o. t-acIe
victims at the District Morgue as ar
object lesson in the evils OF t-aFHc
violation, as is done in some other
cities.
The subcommittee will consider the
advisability OF the adoption for
Washington of regulations similar 10
those on trial in New York. London
and other cities prohibiting the use
Of automobile horns late at night or
under certain special conditions. 1t
was reported that such regulations
have resulted in decrease of accidents.
since motorists. knowing they cannot
Use horns to blast a clearing for
their fast-moving cars. drive slower
and make freer use of their brakes.
The group also will undertake to
absolute necessity for sticking to
proper traffic lanes, which would elm
mate reckless weaving through heavy
traffic. Average speeds could be in
creased with safety and a great deal
Of congestion avoided if motorists
would stick to the proper lanes and
not pull suddenly, often without
warning, into the paths of other cars,
1t was contended by speakers.
Bicycle Riders Scored.
Vigorous criticism Of the practice
Of bicyclists, who frequently ignore
all traffic lights and stop signs and
who weave in and out of traffic, was
voiced by various speakers. 1t was
suggested that bicycle riders be re-
uuired to carry identification numbers
80 that action might be taken against
wilful violators or those who are
habitually reckless and endanger
pedestrians or force motorists to take
unnecessary chances to avoid COL
lision.
NJ o. Eldridge, assistant director
Of motor vehicles and traffic. advo-
Gated the publication of photographs
Of fatal traffic accidents before the
victims have been removed as
ghastly warning of the fate awaiting
habitually reckless or negligent
drivers.
It also was recommended that ap-
plicants for District automobile
drivers licenses be required to take
their examinations in room filled
with pictures of traffic crashes and
their victims, and that every means
be employed to impress upon their
minds the need for unrelenting care
In driving. 1t was suggested that
candidates be required to read the