Evening star., 1941-01-14
Continued From First Page.)

"vigilantes." The organization
recommended that committee OF
1907 be appointed to observe and
report to police violations of traffic
laws.
The recommendation will be
passed along to the District Commls-
sioners for action. Maj. Brown has
expressed opposition to this plan,
pointing out that a similar effort
failed here some years ago. Inspec-
tor Arthur E. Miller of the Accident
Prevention Unit, likewise frowned on
the idea, with the comment that he
didn't see what good it would do"
From Capitol Hill came suggeS-
ton by Senator Reynolds, Democrat,
of North Carolina, who is slated to
head the Senate District Committee,
that a congressional study be made
of traffic here.
Senator Reynolds said he believed
Joint sessions of the Senate and
House District Committees to study
the problem might be advisable.
This plan was Immediately approved
by Representative Dirksen Of Illi-
nols. ranking minority member OF
the House District Committee, who
several days ago proposed steps to
relieve the acute traffic congestion
here.
Chairman Randolph of the House
District Committee also gave his
endorsement to the proposal by
Senator Reynolds. In statement,
Mr. Randolph said:
For many years I have felt that
on matters of this kind joint action
by the House and Senate Commit
tees would be most fruitful. Person.
ally, I should like to see the sug-
gestion of Senator Reynolds put into
effect and, following the organiza-
ton of the committees, such a group
set up in order to aid in remedylng
the present bad situation. In this
way, duplication of time and effort
would be eliminated.
COmmends Maj. Brown.
Nal. Brown is to be commended
for urging his entire force to be
alert to the problem, which is going
to be worse during the days when
inaugural crowds will be in Wash
ington.
Several weeks ago I discussed
the highway situation and traffic
problem in Washington with Charles
Upham, engineer director of the
American Road Builders Associa-
ton. He assured me at that time
that he would be pleased to give
study, information and data he had
gathered which might aid in solu-
ton of the District ills
At the police meeting attention
was directed to testimony given by
several persons involved in recent
accidents to the effect that poor
lighting made it difficult for them to
see pedestrians who stepped into the
streets.
No recommendation was made
the lights, but Maj.
Brown said that strict enforcement
of the pedestrian law is necessary.
He pointed out to precinct COM
manders that there is law which
prohibits pedestrians from crossing
in the middle of a block in such a
fashion as to create a hazard.
Pedestrians Face Arrest.
If pedestrians cross In the middle
of a block when car is approach
ing, Mai. Brown stated, they are
creating a hazard and should be
arrested. He suggested that police
commanders remind their patrolmen
to enforce this regulation strictly.
He also ordered strict enforcement
of the regulation which prohibits
vehicles from weaving in and out
of traffic lanes. The law governing
right of way" for motorists and
pedestrians should be more rigidly
enforced, he said.
Plans were made at this meeting
for further educational activities.
Precinct commanders will prepare
analyses of accidents in their terri
tory for distribution to ministers,
who will be asked to use them from
the pulpit.
Citizens groups, business organ
izations and social clubs also will
receive the analyses, the police COM
mander said. Radio talks will be
made by Inspector Miller.
Traffic "Movie" Suggested.
1t was suggested that part of the