Evening star., 1939-07-29
Doctors Offer
Plan 10 Cut
Traffic Toll
Intoxicotion Tests
And Re-exuminotion
Of Eyes in Program

7IO NCCAOIIIIIIUtIO
Of Eyes in Program
Expressing appreciation for the
new move by the District Medical
Society to help reduce the numbeE
of traffic deaths here, Traffic Direc-
tor William A. Van Duzer today de-
clared the first set of recommenda-
tions put forth by the society's new
Committee on Automobile Accidents
would "by and large" meet with his
approval.
Without committing himself ON
cially on all details of the doctors
program, until he takes them up on
return from his vacation, the traffic
director declared he was sure the
medical profession could make val
liable contribution to the concerted
effort to improve traffic in the Ma
tional Capital. Some of the pro-
posals, at least, will be put into ef-
feet, it was indicated.
Among the recommendation in q
six-point program set forth by the
committee are: Laboratory tests to
determine whether a driver is in
toxicated, denomination of eyes for
renewal of drivers licenses and regu.
latlon OF the speed of vehicles car.
rying injured people to hospitals.
Approved by Society's Board.
Results of the committees first
months work were made public in
an official statement late yesterday
by the Medical Society from its head
quarters. The recommendations of
the committee, headed by DR.. w. w.
| Sager, were announced as having
received the approval of the Medical
Society's Executive Board.
Consideration was given to the
| desirability of requiring certifca-
tion of physical fitness of applicants
for drivers licenses" explained the
society's announcement. This mat
ter, however, is being given further
study. The committee will confer
with public officials in regard to d
major portion of its program"
Mr.. Van Duzer said he had con-
ferred already with members of the
committee. Several problems fac
ing the city administration in re-
gard to traffic were discussed at the
conference.
subcommittee Study Questions.
The doctors committee which has
spent much time on several oues-
tlons involving the medical phases"
OF Washington traffic consists Of
representatives of several specialties
OF the medical profession. Besides
DR.. Sager, chairman. the others are
DR.. eLonard Goodman, DR.. Paul
ODonnell, DR.. Morris I. Bierman
and DR.. Herbert S. Gates. The
secretary of the committee is Theo-
core Wlprud, who is secretary of
the Medical Society. DR.. John H.
Lyons, president of the society, is
deeply interested in the new study.
subcommittee have been assaigned
to particular questions.
The six-point program laid down
IN the society's announcement last
night briefly outlined the high lights
OF the committees early conclu-
sions. They are as follows:
i. That applicants for renewal of
drivers licenses he required to have
their eyes re-examined.
%. That the form now being
signed by the eye physician recon-
mending that persons who have
qualified for drivers licenses be per-
mitted to drive with glasses or
without glasses be amended to
read also with or without glasses
AT the present time" it was ex-
planned, on this point, persons who
are authorized to drive with glasses
must wear them or be subject to
arrest. 1t was explained that there
are persons with slightly defective
vision who should be permitted to
drive whether or not they wear
glasses
Would Test Drinking Drivers.
"3. That laboratory test now used
in some of the larger cities to de-
termine whether or not a driver is
intoxicated be adopted in the Dis
trict and methods for their apph-
cation be developed in cooperation
with scientifically qualified persons.
Further, that these tests be used to
prove contributory negligence only.
a. That the public be informed
of the availability of emergency am
bulance service. The committee has
learned that present facilities are
not being used to their maximum.
IS. That an educational program
in first aid as it relates to accidents
be sponsored by the Medical So
ciety.
IS. That efforts be made to regu-
late the speed of vehicles transport
ing injured persons to hospitals so
as not to endanger the lives of
pedestrians"
Sees Thanks Due.
Mr.. Van Duzer, explaining he
realized the Doctors Committee had
spent many hours in studying traf-
f1c, said that in his opinion 'The
District owes them vote of thanks
for the time they are spending on
this vital question"
Cooperation of the Medical So
ciety on the District traffic problem
came after District officials and
others of the Traffic Advisory Coun-
Gil had sought the help Of the pro-
fession. Among those who have
welcomed the participation of the
committee in the movement have
been Commissioner Melvin C. Hazen,
Mr.. Van Duzer, Maj. Ernest w.
Brown, superintendent of police,
and E. S. Hege of the Traffic Ad-
visory Council.