Evening star., 1936-02-02


papers in the great drive against wal
$4,000 lives annually in the United
States.
This may have some effect on the
announcement of the Bureau of Census
Of the Department of Commerce that
during four weeks ending January Is,
1886, IS large cities in the United
States reported 721 deaths from auto
mobile accidents. This number (72D
compares with 804 deaths during the
four weeks ending January 10, 1885.
The District of Columbia failed to
show an improvement in traffic deaths
during January, but according to Will
liam A. Van Duzer, director of traffic,
accidents showed a marked decrease.
Fewer accidents, he believes. in time,
will bring about less fatalities.
A Nationwide EFFORT to reduce traffic
accidents in 1886, by uniting all
branches of the motor industry with
nationally recognized safety agencies
In co-ordinated working program. was
announced today by Alvan Macauley,
president of the Automobile Manufac-
turerS' Association.
Definitely stamping highway safety
as localized problem, the campaign
will have State and community appeal
as the primary approach. To that end,
the entire motor industry is UNDER
writing the cost of specific projects to
be sponsored by the cooperating or
ganizations, which will provide addi-
tional impetus to their present safety
activities.
New and supplementary activities
include the stimulation of inter-city
safety contests, renewal of public
school safety essay and safety lesson
contests, expansion of schoolboy patrol
and high school, driver training work,
vigorous support for law enforcement.
dissemination of films, literature and
educational material in a wide range
Of contacts with State and local civic
and fraternal groups; assistance in the
training of traffic control personnel
and more effective cooperation with
all agencies concerned through auto
mobile dealers and car owners.
Paul G. Hoffman. chairman of the
Safety Traffic Committee of the Auto
mobile Manufacturers Association,
which formulated details of the broad
program, said that the primary re-
sponsibility for highway safety belongs
with the public officials, who are
charged with the duty of building and
maintaining the facilities and con-
trolling their use" He pointed out
that the chief function of private
groups who represent organized pub
lie sentiment is to support the official
agencies with a broad vigorous pro-
gram of public education.
All members of the industry, in
Guiding automobile, truck, parts and
accessory makers; finance companies
and rubber manufacturers. have
Joined in 1.-The most comprehensive
cooperative educational program for
greater safety on our streets and high
ways that has yet been attempted by
the industry" Mr.. Macauley stated.
officials of such outstanding organi-
cations as the following have pledged
their utmost effort in this cooperative
expansion of safety education, Mr..
Macauley announced:
American Association of Motor
Vehicle Administrators. American AS
sociation Of State Highway Officials,
American Automobile Association,
American Legion, General Federation
of Women's Clubs, Highway Education
Board, International Association of
Police Chiefs, National Bureau of Sur
ETY. & Casualty Underwriters, National
Congress of Parents and Teachers,
National Grange. National Safety
Council, United States Bureau of Pub
lie Roads. United States Department
Of Commerce, United States Office of
"The motor industry is keenly aware
of the futility of sporadic attacks on
The driver accident problem" siad Mr..
Macauley. 'Such attacks. emphasize
ing the morbidity and horror aspects,
Are not effective. In fact, We are in
clined to believe that they may actu-
ally add to the hazards of the situa-
lion.
Motor manufacturers and allied in
;erests have devoted great deal of
lime and money to the safety prob
EN-. Individually, car makers have
,ut their best efforts into building
The safest possible vehicle and will
continue to do so. Millions of publi-
cations have been distributed, safety
inns presented and free vehicle inspec-
ions offered. Collectively, among ,
other things, we have sponsored safety
Essay and lesson contests in schools,
With the assistance of interested public
ofncials. We have participated in the
of uniform traffic laws
It is apparent, however, that all con-
cerned must redouble their efforts.
Greater safety can only be achieved
through concentration on all known
methods of relief"
The safety platform, adopted few
months ago, which Is given full force
and effect by the latest action, follows:
l. We will continue to build vehicles
with every safety factor which inten-
sire research and engineering ingenu-
lty makes available.
2. We will merchandise our product
under circumstances which emphasize
The importance Of safe construction,
Iafe maintenance and safe use.' |
3. We will assist our dealers in
Keeping constructive safety message
,efore their customers and their COM
nunities. =,
4. We will encourage our dealers
Ind service organizations to deliver
,ars, new or old, in safe driving con-
lition. and only to persons legally en-
titled to use the public highways.
S. We will continue to support q |
ound, scientific approach to a solu- I
ion Of the trafiic problem, believing
hat the same methods which have
iven America safe cars will protect {
heir safe use.
s. We will work for highways Of
he highest quality consistent with I
rafic needs and best adjusted to s
he safe use of the modern vehicle.
Z. We will aid in the development 6