The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-11-04
Highway Etiquette
 Cause Of Accidents
Courtesy Viewed as Safety Guide By Superintendent
 of Police Roach in Weekly Statement

Bad highway etiquette restricts the volume of traffic and is respon- sible for many fatal accidents on even the newest roads, according to Supt. of Police William J. Roach in his weekly safety statement.
 Manners"
 In citing examples of bad high way etiquette and giving construc- tive advice on the way one should conduct himself on the road, Supt. Roach points out that although laws Have cased many Of the responsible ities of motorists, these laws have not entirely superseded highway customs and manners"
 Hupt. Eoaeh's statement follows:
 "No substitute for courtesy In the operation of 6 motor vehicle has yet been found. A motorist could operate upon any street or highway, safely and without Interference with the movement of traffic in spite of 6 lack of knowledge of right-of-way rules, by simply being polite.
 Laws have eased many of the responsibilities of motorists by establishing what movements are right and which are wrong. But these laws have not entirely sue perseded highway custom and eti. quette.
 Millions of dollars have been spent on streets and highways. Nevertheless on primary streets and highways, in spite of engi. neering studies and subsequent improvements to aid the flow of traffic, the maximum possible vol- ume of traffic is not always reach- ed. The friction in most cases can be traced to inconsiderate, selfish, or thoughtless motorists who sometimes violate traffic laws or are rudely irnpolite This bad eti. uuette results in grave consequen- ces which result in the loss of hu- man lives. Consequently much or the value of the improvement Is lost if not used properly.
 Traffic Safer
 For e driver to display courtesy by stopping at Q stop-sign, or to operate at Q legal rate of speed Is not enough. It is also necessary for these operations to be done in the proper traffic lane so as to allow vehicles executing llon-con. flicting movements to proceed without interference. Not only does courtesy speed up traffic and render the thoroughfare safer, but 1t also impresses other motorists with the fact that the courteous driver is also competent driver.
 To allow definite periods of time to operate between points IS not inconsistent with the general use of streets and highways. Modern business is operated on schedule. Practically all working people al- low Q definite period of time in which to commute and most trav- eiers desire to cover the distance as rapidly as possible. Therefore, 2 skiliful driver who correctly ana properly negotiates all maneuvers, who possesses high regard for the safety of all, but who never theless operates swiftly but witn- in the established speed limits, has a right to expect other motorists to allow him to proceed. For the other motorists to inadvertently or wilfuily hinder his progress IS bad etiquette.
 Thoughtfulness I Highway etiquette must also iIl- clude thoughtfulness as motorists are required, first to be considerate in their selection of the street or highway they desire to travel upon, and second. to be consider ate and respectful in dealings with other motorists. This need of