Evening star., 1935-03-31

men. Many declared that, although
they thought themselves to be careful
drivers, at least the average, did speed
up at times when no policemen were
in sight and occasionally only slowed
up instead of stopping at stop signs
Their confessions could be made by
hundreds Of other motorists, who also
are average drivers.
Quick Action Urged.
What should be done, and imme-
diately, is for the heads of the Traffic
Department to confer with the Dis
trict Commissioners to ask aid from
Congress to get the necessary appro-
priations. Saving life and property
would more than compensate the ad-
ditional costs of better patrolling of
the city's streets. There should be
no delay.
Additional money turned in at the
various precincts and Police Court for
fines and collateral the first few weeks
the added force were at work would
go far in paying for needed equip
ment. Soon afterward arrests would
drop and the streets of Washington
undoubtedly would become much
safer.
A local manufacturer and reader of
these columns sends in IS suggestions
dealing with traffic here. Some of his
proposals are rather drastic, but it
Is good to know that Washingtonians
at least are really beginning to take
an interest in problems here.
Under the heading of suggestions
that might require congressional ac-
ton the following is proposed:
l. Compulsory auto insurance, in
Guiding taxicabs.
2. Certificates of convenience and
necessity for any further addition to
the present number of taxicabs.
Under the heading of things the
Commissioners may do at once are:
3. Abolish all cab stands now To-
Gated on any streets, make cabs leave
from off-street waiting lots. This
might be required only in congested
zones. This will reduce number of
cabs than can afford to operate.
4. Go back to rotary turn" It
makes no difference to us as Washing
tonians what the remainder of the
country may do. If this will re-
duce fatalities at corners, where We
hicles now drive through two lanes of
pedestrians who are moving with
proper light signal, let us go back to it.
5. Pedestrian Control" Put this
into effect. BY coupling suggestions
and S pedestrians would have no
complaint when required to obey
lights, as they would have their turn"
in crossing the street.
Increased Speed Seen.
6. Look into present arrangement
of Thirteenth and Twelfth streets
Have we by adopting present set-up,
because they are now ''one-way," en-
couraged drivers on those streets to
run past 22-mile speed limit?
Z. Put a group of Inspector Lambs
men in plain clothes, and, if pos
sible, in unmarked cars. Men in uni
form can be seen city block away
and drivers seem to be more careful
in presence of officers. Don't say this
cannot be done. Raymond Pullman
tried it out and know some of these
men were kept in plain clothes for
over a year with marked success.
8. Impound cars for any type Of
Let the driver know you mean busi-
ness.
9. See that no one in Police De-
partment interferes in ticket cases or
attempts to fix tickets given by a
subordinate.
10. Recommend to Commissioners
that traffic director and Traffic Bu-
reau heads alone be consulted in the
matter of traffic regulations. Leave
citizens associations or any trade
bodies out of the picture.
II. Complete new examination of
all drivers on present traffic regula-
tions.
IL. Semi-annual inspection of all
automobiles under District of Co.
lumbia registry This to include every
thing on the car that might result
in an accident to driver or others.
13. Jolt drivers as class by drop
ping present speed limit and return
to 18 miles per hour.
IA. If it becomes necessary. even
after the above are carried out, then
promulgate "No all night parking" on
any streets. See study of available
parking space already made by Mr..
Van Duzer.
Is. Limit size of trucks owned In
town or out Of town which may enter
congested area. Some of these freight
trucks are too large to be handled
properly in the congested area.
especially in alleys where some of
them attempt to unload.
Suggestions Criticized.
Commenting on the above sugges-
tions, it seems that numbers l and 2
are all right. Numbers 3 and ap-
pear unwarranted. There is very
likely too much space given to the
parking zones on the streets, and in
many instances they do prove a
traffic hazard, but service must be
maintained for the public. Proper
enforcement of existing police regula-
tions in regard to the so-called
cruising" or lettering of talks and
their jamming up on cross walks at
intersections would seem sufficient at
the present time. This last condition
can be noticed particularly during
the rush hours at the northeast
corner Of Twelfth street and Penn
sylvania avenue.
The rotary left-hand turn" was
tried here and was proved to be
failure. Besides, uniformity is
thing to be desired.
No. 5, regarding pedestrian control,
Is q wise suggestion. Efforts now
are being made to make this regula-
ton enforcible.
Regarding No. 6. it is very true
that one-way streets encourage
drivers to exceed the speed limit.
Police enforcement Of existing regu-
lations can prevent too high speeds.
No. 7 is not to be desired. 1t con-
stitutes traps" and the majority of
opinion is opposed to this method of
law enforcement. 1t Is far better to
prevent violations than to arrest the
offender afterward. More policemen
on view would have a better effect.
Plan Very Involved.
oo,ixnd oarc nunp