Evening star., 1935-12-01
KEY.
TO SAFE TRAFFIC.
Erratic Drivers and Cruising
Taxicabs Blamed for
Hazards Here.

NO set rules, however SCrlct, Will
prevent accidents from occurring as
long as drivers do not cooperate with
each other and with pedestrians. In
the opinion of Frank Rose, $500
Woodley road, one Of the hundreds Of
washingtonians who have contributed
suggestions and the benefit Of trafic
observations and experience to The
Evening Star Safety Council In con-
nection with the present traffic safety
drive.
Mr.. Rose explains that he has been
o licensed driver since 1910 and has
driven in London for a number of
years, in France and Canada; has
held drivers licenses in three States
and has never had an accident and
never been arrested for trafhc viola
ton.
!. IN all my experience" he said, II
have never seen such erratic drivers
as are in Washington. Trafflc rules
for some are made up only for the
purpose of obtaining driving permits.
for it is obvious that quite number
forget all about them once they get
their pasteboards and get behind the
wheel =.
There is no doubt in my mind that
cruising taxicabs are responsible for
a number of accidents and for lot
of the congestion which exists in
downtown areas. A slow driver on a
busy street can be quite as dangerous
as a fast driver.
stop signs should be of universal
height, placed high enough for the
driver to see them, and cars parking
within 40 feet from an intersection
should be impounded -.
Some of the old rattletraps on the
streets should be taken off. The police
should have authority to order any
car or truck in for examination.
Parents should be held responsible for
their children playing on the streets.
OF course. I know some will say,
Where are the children going to
play?' In this matter of safety, that
question does not exist. for it is much
better to wonder about playground
for children than to worry about a
grave for them.
Pedestrian control should be regu-
lated by the amber light, when all
traffic should be stopped. That will
give the pedestrians chance to cross
in safety without having to Jump for
1t like they do now. Personally, don't
see why a pedestrian should not be
allowed to cross in the middle OF a
block, providing they take the ele-
mentary rules of safety and look both
ways before venturing of the side
walk
ITO sum it all up, no set rules,
however strict, will prevent accidents
from occurring as long as drivers do
not cooperate with each other and
with the pedestrians. If we all help
others to help themselves, then we will
help ourselves, too, and cut the acci-
dent rate down.
IT would like to say to every motor
ist: If you sign the safety pledge,
live up to it >"
Excerpts From Letters.
Z Excerpts from some other letters
received by The Star Safety Council
follow:
st gladly sign the safety pledge and
am in hearty sympathy with the
same. The rules are good and ought
10 help make for safe driving, but
they do not go far enough. One very
important omission is evident, viz, the
driving under the influence of liquor.
I Alcohol and gasoline do not mix
for safety on the road. 1t is not the
drunken driver, but the drinking
driver, that is more dangerous. A
drink or two slows down the reactions,
impairs the functions of the senses
and makes the driver take chances
and risks he would not otherwise
take.
Since the repeal Of the eighteenth
amendment automobile accidents and
deaths increased by leaps and bounds.
1t will not account for it to say the
cars are too speedy. No, it is the
drinking driver who becomes reckless
"A thirteenth pledge should be added,
Il will not drink and drive
LUTHER F. MILLER"
"The campaign of The Star Safety
Council would be a real success if it
did nothing more than make motorists
and pedestrians talk about safety and
accidents. Your drive, believe, has
stirred public consciousness more than
any educational campaign in many
years. have heard more discussion
OF traffic problems during the past