Evening star., 1938-10-30
CITIZENS SUPPORT
PEDESTRIAN LAW
Survey Shows Associations
Believe Something Should
Be D0ne.'
BY ROBERT B. HANSON,

BY ROBERT B. HANSON.
Something should be done about the
careless pedestrian, organized citizens
Of the District believe, according to
survey Of the more than IS citizens
associations in the District
In support Of their contention, they
point out that the pedestrian has been
at fault in most of the pedestrian
deaths in the District this year. Sta
tistics reveal that since January l,
1898 So of the 70 persons killed in
traffic accidents have been pedestrians
and that in 42 OF the SO cases coro-
ner's jury absovel the drivers of blame,
terming the deaths accidental"
Urged in Congested Areas.
In citizens opinions on the subject,
two salient facts stood out: That
pedestrian control should be tried
out" in congested areas, not in resi-
dental and outlying sections, and
that there be solution of the pedes-
TRANS rights" when, crossing on the
green or go light, an automobile
makes a right turn.
Some opposition to pedestrian con-
troll was also expressed. Some felt 1t
would have little effect on jayWalkers.
Still others argued that more UNI
form system of traffic lights and the
speeding up of automobiles would do
more toward relieving the situation.
One opinion was advanced that UNI
formity of traffic lights, such as IN
several Midwestern cities, whereby an
automobile travels on green light at
an increased rate of speed for num-
Der of blocks, would be the more feas-
ible means of speeding up traffic and
at the same time curbing accidents.
As it is now, it was contended, auto
mobiles are stopped at practically
every corner in congested areas, par
ticularly in rush hours, which does not
-, effectively take care of the problem OF
the pedestrian crossing the street.
Ten Groups on Record.
OF the associations surveyed, 10 TINS
wear have been recorded as favorlng
pedestrian control, including the Fed
Grafton of Citizens Associations last
spring. The most recent were the
Trinidad and Conduit Road assocla-
tions. which indorsed such move
last week. The latter group went so
far as to say that fines or jail SEN
tences should be imposed on pedes-
trians who break laws which govern
the crossing of street intersections.
The Fort Davis association, although
agreeing that enactment of any law
concerning pedestrian control would
do much to prevent traffic fatalities,
deferred action until its November
meeting. In contrast no opposition
has been recorded over this period.
One of the prime movers for pedes-
trian control is Harry Wender, presi-
dent of the Southwest Citizens Asso-
citation and chairman of the Safety
Committee of the Federation of Citi-
zens' Associations Through his ef-
forts Endorsement Of pedestrian con-
troll was voted at meeting of the
Southwest association and later pre-
sented at the Federation, where it was
also approved.
Pedestrian control should be in
voked at intersections controlled by
policeman or safety signs" Mr.. Wen
der said.
Another association president. DR..
Lyman F. Kebler of the Citizens
Forum of Columbia Heights, whose
group approved such regulation last
season, fell In line with the new move.
II am in favor of some sort of
regulation to control pedestrian traf-
flc," he said The motorist and
>ala rSvjo c1, 1ot n oh
when they meet both thinking that
they have the right of way, but in
most instances the pedestrian gets the
worst of It,"
Other Comments.
Comments were offered favoring en-
forcement in congested areas and par
ticularly during rush hours, but not in
outlying sections, by number OF
civic leads. Among these were w.
Earl Nair, former president and secre-
tary of the Washington Highlands
Citizens Association, another group on
record as approving pedestrian control;
William A. Maio, president OF the
Southeast Council and Southeast Cit
tzens' Association; Stanley E. Otto,
president of the Anacostia Citizens
Association John D. Wolfe, president
of the Bladensburg Road Citizens
Association; George W. Potter, presi-
dent of the Petworth Citizens Asso-
citation. and George A. Corbin, presl-
dent of the Manor Park Citizens Asso-
citation.
Mr.. Corbin further remarked that
~ ,olo
the areas where children congregate,
such as schools, Fairgrounds. etc.
Thomas E. Lodge, former president
of the Federation, declared that 1t
was a problem to be solved by the
cooperation of the pedestrian and
policeman stationed at the intersec-
tions.
Contrasting opinions were given by
Paul E. Jameson, president OF the
Burroughs Citizens Association; John
j. Hurley president of the Michigan
Park Citizens Association, and Samuel
j. Flickinger, president OF the Friend
. ship Citizens Association.
Mr., Jameson and MIR. Hurley argued
that more uniform system of trafhc
lights would prove more helpful than
pedestrian control. The latter added
that the jaywalker couldn't be stopped
by regulation.
Light Change Pushed.
Mr.. Flickinger, while favoring con-
troll, particularly in the downtown
section of the city, declared that q
change in the traffic light system
should be undertaken.
Similar remarks were made by j. B.
,Dickman, jr president of the North
Cleveland Park Citizens Association.
His proposed change in the traffic
lights would have to do with the Pc
destrian trying to cross a street on
the green light, or go" signal while
an automobile made right turn on
the same light. Mrs. Edna ]. john
of ho Ko1C