Evening star., 1936-05-17

walker safe It is up to the walker
to avail himself or herself of the
newest traffic device for pedestrian
safety. Some people may resent the
idea of being regulated in the same
way a small child does not like to be
told not to do something. But in both
cases the control is in the interest of
protection against possible harm.
The walk light at Twelfth and F
streets is not only new here. 1t is new
in the United States. Its equipment
was produced in the District shop of
the Traffic Department, under the
supervision of William A. Van Duzer
and other traffic employees. If the
plan works we'll other similar signs will
be made for other intersections.
The first day of operation, last
Wednesday, appeared to be successful
True it was bit perplexing to those
who came upon the light for the first
time But the able work of four police
men on duty there proved all that was
needed. Nearly every one wanted to
cooperate and there was no serious
congestion at any time. The timing OF
the lights may have to be changed,
but that is all.
Observing the arrows at the inter-
section is most necessary. Crossing the
street on the side designated must be
done to avoid congestion. Pedestrians
must keep to the right in crossing to
avoid humping into each other. Care
should be taken not to start to cross
near the end of the walk light period,
or the walker will find himself strand
ed. Autos and street cars must be care
full in stopping back of the cross-walk
However, the lights are new, and too
much must not be expected. Practice
makes perfect. Try to think of it as
a game, a game of safety, and all will
be all right.
The Star feels deserving of some
credit in the adoption of the latest
safety measure. During its safety cam
paign it advocated a special light for
walkers, believing that at that time
the pedestrians did not have really
fair chance to get across in safety.
The proposal was taken up with the
traffic director, who at first was some
what skeptical. But, being fair minded.
and at all times interested in any plan
to increase safety on the streets OF the
National Capital, he agreed to give it
fair trial.
The light is on trial. 1t is entirely
up to the walkers whether it will sue
ceed or not. Pedestrians have no reg
ulations on the sidewalks. Motorists
have at all times Motorists are eau
toned not to hurry. Start earlier, but
do not rush. 1t is better to arrive at
your destination a few minutes late,
but safe.
Pedestrians now have a chance to
cross in safety if they cooperate. Do
your part now in making Washington
@ safer city.
Congress last week passed the bill
OF Senator King, chairman of the Dis
trict Senate Committee, to provide for
the revelation or suspension of driv-
ing permits of those violating traffic
laws here who have license plates from
outside States. The President is eX-
pected to sign it, 1t is a good and
fair law that should have been in
force long ago.
III winds sometimes blow good. The
recent antics of a certain member of
Congress probably aided greatly in the
quick passing of the law at this time.
New model time still is many
months away in the plans of the mo-
tor car industry, according to the As
sociated Press. but already trade cir
cles are buzzing with gossip of what
will go into the consumer appeal OF
the 1887 types.
Operations Of the industry during
the last year have been considerably
more profitable than any since 1929
and on the basis of the income level
established the trade expects next
years models to embrace more note
worthy mechanical changes than have
any of the annual introductions for
nearly decade.
Secrecy, as usual, surrounds the ac-
tivity of the engineering division con-
cerning coming innovations. There is, |
however, general conviction through |
the trade that radical departures i'm |
pend in clutch and transmission as
semblies as well as in the body de-
sign of numerous models. Discussion |
in engineering circles suggests that |
several manufacturers are giving seri-
Gus thought to accomplishing the
wider body objective by eliminating or
sharply curtailing the width of con-
Ventional running boards.
Some producers also are studying the
possibilities of providing more front
seat space by removing the gear shift
and emergency brake from the center
OF the front compartment. In some
models the hand brake may be
switched to the dash or instrument
board and if this is done it is more
than likely the gear shift throttle also
will be removed from its present posi-
ton in the center of the front floor
board
With continued favorable weather
and an unabated demand for new au-
tomobiles and trucks, production in
automobile plants this week is being
sustained at approximately the same
rate as during the week ended May
9, says Automotive Daily News in its
mid-week survey. The figure for this
week for the entire industry is ex-
pected to reach 116,722 units against
117,827 in the previous week
Employment in Detroit plants dur
Ing the first six months of 1886 model
production has been maintained at an
unusually steady pace. with fiuctua-
tions being confined to a margin of |
less than 10000 workers. AS q result, |
the average earnings are well above
anything that workers have enjoyed |
in the past several years.
Sales during Nav are holdino III,