Evening star., 1937-01-31
BY j. A. FOX.


An approach to the entire subject
Of highway safety is envisioned by
the Interstate Commerce Commission
In promulgating the regulations that
will govern interstate bus and truck
operation after July /.
No overnight miracles are expected,
nor are they likely, but in setting
up the guides that the commercial
carriers-common and contract-must
follow. the commission believes that
this national traffic-policing PROPOSE
ton Is turned in the right direction.
A particularly cooperative spirit is
being shown by the individual States,
and this is highly important, because
the Commonwealths themselves are
going to have to carry q large share
Of this regulatory burden, for as far
in the future as can be seen at this
distance. Eventually, perhaps, the
Bureau of Motor Carriers, which was
set up in the commission to handle
the over-the-road haulers, may be in
position to exercise as close a SUPER
vision over their operations from a
safety standpoint as is done now for
the railroads. The problem Of deal
ing with thousands Of units, however,
makes this seem doubtful, and the
task would be even more monumental
should the bureau seek to assume all
the powers given it under the motor
carrier act and dictate to the private
carriers that trade across State lines.
Task to Line Up Industry.
Undoubtedly. the biggest Job the
bureau faces Is that of getting the
trucking industry as q whole lined
up. The bus business has been in
good shape for the best part of a
decade, the demands Of the riding
public bringing this about as a natural
development, and there are truckers.
Arge and small. whose operations are
conducted on the same high plane as
those OF the passenger carriers. It is
obvious, however. that there is plenty
OF room for abuse in q field that
is so broad.
The commission came to grips with
the safety issue shortly after taking
control OF bus and truck operation, for
1t was recognized that this was an
item OF paramount importance, from
the standpoint Of the industry as well
as the public, with death and de.
struction constantly stalking the high
ways.
First the bureau made a study Of
State laws and Of the safety practices
instituted by motor carriers them
selves. On this was based an initial
outline of subjects which it appeared
proper to embody in a well-rounded
safety program. The next step was
several months Of conferences, with
participants including representatives
Of motor carriers. manufacturers, in
surance companies, organized labor,
technical and engineering groups,
shippers, railroads, State and Federal
ohcials and other interested parties.
Then draft Of proposed regula-
tons was formulated, and $500 copies
distributed to organizations and in
dividuaS. inviting criticism and COM
ment. Public hearings came next,
various revisions Of the first proposals
followed, and then the new traffic
code made its appearance. with this
explanation from the commission:
THE experience and judgment of
a host Of competent authorities, tenn
pered by administrative and practical
considerations which we have con-
stantly to keep in mind. may thus be
said to be embodied in the initial reg
ulationS now promulgated"
Three General Heads.
These regulations come under three
general heads-qualifications of driv-
ers, control Of the vehicle and re-
porting Of accidents-a trinity the
commission says is designed ito i'm
prove definitely the safety Of opera
ton Of a large proportion Of the car
r1ers subject to regulation"
The first involves physical requisites
that are manifestly desirable, and
eventually consideration may be given
to uniform standards for physical ex-
animation, with practical minimums
set up.
Along with the physical factor Is
that Of experience, and here, too, II
the change Is warranted in time, the
regulation might be frightened by ap-
plying competency tests, and putting
drivers under a Federal licensing sys-
tenn, 1t Is explained, the commission
expressing the opinion that the knowl-
edge they were registered with Fed