Evening star., 1937-08-28
Safety and Traffic Control

Public safety supposedly is a basic
principle upon which all regulations con-
cerning the use Of the streets are estab-
llshed. 1t is principle which can be
maintained only through perpetual viei-
lance and immediate action against forces
possessing the strength to weaken and
destroy it. When public safety ceases to
be the major principle of regulatory
system OF street and highway manage
ment the inevitable consequence is a
state Of confusion that leads to the un-
warranted destruction of human life.
Lack of foresight is responsible in
Washington for the lapse of vigilance
that permitted a minority group to gain
the controlling influence over its streets
and highways. 1t was naturally assumed
that the adoption of regulations and the
institution of an authoritative bureau
charged with the duty of controlling
traffic were moves primarily in the inter-
ests OF public safety. In practice, how
ever, the statutes have been interpreted
to apply exclusively to the efficient move
ment and free-will parking of auto
mobiles.
AS result Of this conception of public
safety street car platforms and zones
have been located with view to giving
the greatest possible freedom to vehicular
traffic without regard for the convenience
or safety of car riders Drivers are per-
mitted to split from the lanes at such
points and occupy the tracked area to the
danger, discomfort and delay of any one
except themselves.
Trafflc lights are operated for the
guidance OF automobile drivers. Street
cars for the most part and pedestrians
without exception must fend for them
selves and suffer the consequences. With
the installation of the yellow light in the
earlier days of the control system pedes-
trlans welcomed the innovation as sig
nal guaranteeing safe passage across the
street. 1t turned out instead to be a
signal for motorists approaching it to
speed across the intersection and for
those waiting for the green light to dash
forward without waiting for proper right
Of way. This abuse of the yellow light
interval by motorists led to its early
abandonment as an aid to pedestrians.
Walk lights now in operation at two
intersections have proved futile through
lack of enforcement provisions.
One-way streets, free for two-way oper-
alton by mail trucks and official cars. con-
stitute menace to all classes of street
users. Such vehicles merit no rights or
special privileges that are denied to other
travellers in the same streets.
Mere mention of the curbstone parking
evil sets up howl that subdues the shouts
OF Joshua's army at the walls of Jericho
to the pathetic wall Of a sick infant.
Loud and prolonged protest against put
ting an end to this practice, however,
does not alter the fact that occupation of
the streets for free garage space has con-
verted Washington's thoroughfares into
slaughter traps that cannot much longer
be tolerated.
Lack of foresight in permitting public
safety to be interpreted In terms of the
greatest freedom for automobiles has
brought about these and other conditions
that are responsible for the shameful
record Of deaths and injuries that the
year 1887 has produced. The situation
has reached the point where a choice
must be made between public safety or
crutches and collins,