The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-04-13
j, s STUDYING
AUTO DEATHS
Step May Result in New
Local Laws to Keep
fn Down Fatalities

w HSibA-NN - ''iAH. -'I'"
CUPD. - Extensive research into
the causes of highway accidents
is in progress by the bureau of
public roads, Secretary Of Agri-
culturcy Henr \. Wallace has re-
ported to congress. The work is
being done under the appropria-
ton of $4,000 for safety studies
made ut the last session Of con.
grcSS.
The bureau Of public roads,
acting for the secretary of agri-
culture, is cooperating with ma
tionally recognized agencies in
the field OF highway safety.
The bureau is making a detail
cd study into the lack of uniform
ity in state motor-vehicles laws,
which is regarded us an impor-
tant contributing cause of high
way accidents. 1t also is studying
characteristics and habits Of driv-
crS and Identification of danger
Gus drivers. A third phase Of the
highway safety problem the bu-
rcau is investigating is improve
ment of the basic data, needed
for study Of accident causes and
prevention.
All available information re-
la,ing TO drivers is being collect
ed A digest Of the results Of
previous research is expected to
throw light upon means Of detect
ing the personal traits that pre-
dispose individual drivers To acct
dents and thus point to means of
controlling these drivers.
ACCIDENT RATIO
DETERMINED
According to the bureau re-
ports, the accident expectancy of
the average driver is one accident
in about 25 years. Therefore,
drivers who have accidents more
frequently should be detected and
watched, in the opinion Of the bu-
reau.
The bureau plans TO collect nc
cidcnt records Of $4,000 drivers
over the past six years. This study
will reveal what percentage of
drivers menace the safety of
themselves and others. 1t will
also show whether data now col
lectcd furnish an adequate basis
for predicting the drivers future
performance.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS
PLANNED
Physical and psychological tests
of drivers also are to be made to
measure the skill and driving abil-
ity Of numerous drivers, and COM
pairing the results with their acct
dent records, it may be possible TO
develop methods that positively
will identify safe and unsafe div
ers.f Such methods could be used
by authorities In issuing, suspend
ing, and revoking driver permits,
public road bnreau authorities
said.
The bureau expects Il study OF
the case histories of numerous Sc
riouS accidents TO disclose valua-
bic information. Close scrutiny
Of fundamental factors involved
in highway accidents should point
out what corrective measures are
needed. When causes of past ac-
cidcntS are better understood, bu-
rcau officials pointed out, the
necessary regulatory and enforce"
ment provisions can be made 10
help prevent future accidents.
! TRAINED POLICE URGED
Immediate investigation of ac-
cidents by trained police squads
has proved its value in. several
states. Such Investigations are to
be made on IL wide scale in some
states to develop improved proce-
durc in the preparation, analysis,
and use Of accident data, the bu-
rcau said.
A serious stumbling block, &C
cOrding. to the bureau, is the lack
of adequate data concerning acct
dents. Reports of accidents, if
made ut all, in the ma ority of
states, are often Skctchy and in
| complete. Adoption Of uniform
laws to guarantee complete and
accurate reporting of nj lacci-
dents. and adoption Of adequate
filing systems to make records
readily available. will be cncour-
aged by the bureau.
In its report to Secretary Wal
lace. the bureau said that traffic
accidents and fatalities have
reached proportions that plac
them in the front rank Of critical
national problems. They involve
not one but a whole series of
causes and conditions which, to
be rcmcdicd, first must be under
stood. The ultimate solution of
the problems involved will call for
the best efforts and cooperation
of all drivers as well as local,
state and national authorities, the
bureau advised.
the parties of the second part a