Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1942-04-09
TRAFFIC Education Essential To
Reduce Death Rate" Says Neal


ally every Newark OrganiZa-
ton interested in traffic safe
ty attended a dinner meeting
in the Neal Avenue Methodist
church Tuesday evening and
listened to talks by various To-
cal and state authorities on
methods of traffic control and
education.
A. G. Gibbony, president of
recently organized Newark Traf-
fic Safety Council, presided, and
called upon Mayor Arthur d.
Lockwood for a few preliminary
remarks. First Vice President
o. A. Helser, explained the fun
ction Of the new organization and
the several divisions of the coun-
Gil: Educational committee with
Frank Elliott, chairman; Engin-
eering committee, Glen Vanscoy,
chairman, and Law Enforcement,
Walter Welsch, chairman.
The duties Of members Of the
Educational committee will be
to talk to various groups on traf-
fic safety and endeavor to make
citizens generally conscious of
traffic hazards in an effort to
cut down the appalling number
Of accidents.
Members Of the Engineering
committee will investigate traf-
fic hazards, keep an accurate
check and make recommends
tions for removal or changes to
the city government.
1t will be the duty Of the Law
Enforcement committee, accord
ing to Mr.. Helser, to see that all
traffic laws are enforced regard
less of whom the person may be.
The point was stressed that the
cooperation of every single or
ganization in the city is neces-
sary if the Traffic council is to
accomplish its purpose and traf-
fic rules and regulations are to
be enforced for the safety of all.
Police Chief Gail Christman
explained that traffic law en-
forcement was a big job x
that education will help to make
the job easier, and with the in
terest of all organizations rep
resented, it would be possible to
successfully enforce the laws.
Arthur Shepard, second vice
president of the council told the
guests that manv lives can be
saved with the help of organiZa-
tions in the city.
Speaking on traffic education
in the public schools, Superinten-
dent Paul B. Edwards, stated
that traffic safety is taught from
the first grade through the SEN
iOr year, also that a knowledge
Of traffic laws is part Of the
course of study.
Father j. j. Slattery made a
few remarks during which he en-
dorsed the council saying, 81
think the council will do very
necessary work in Newark. Chill
dren and adults must be continu-
ally reminded to be careful -
but it is the adults who must set
the example"
Harold Moss, director of Safe
ty and Traffic for Division No. 5
of the Ohio State Department of
Highways, introduced Harry E.
Neal, Columbus, chief engineer,
Bureau Of Traffic and Safety of
the state department.
Delving Immediately into the
TOO l. L. I'll l. L
traffic accidents each year, Neal
told his listeners that during De-
cember 1941, 1890 people were
killed in the United States, or
more than lost their lives in the
Pearl Harbor air raid. All rec
ords were broken" continued
Neal, when 10000 met death on
the highways during 1941."
"Our traffic fatality list is
much greater than during the
worst air raids in England, -
emphasizing the fact that our
traffic accident problem needs
control. Education on accident
prevention must be carried out
continually. There must be a
tightening up and rigid enforce
ment of traffic laws preceded by
vigorous educational campaign"
said Neal. But the public mind
must be prepared. This recent
ly organized Safety council can
get those things done that need
to be done. Accidents can be re-
duced, but the cooperation of all
is necessary" he concluded.
City Solicitor Charles B. Holts-
berry told the gathering that
there are times when the public
criticized the officials unjustly,
and it would be a good idea if
the average individual would at
tend court occasionally and Sc
cure complete facts. "Some Of
Tenders" said the solicitor,
must be severely punished, but
it is not altogether a punishment
method that is needed, but edu-
cation"
"The laws must be brought up
to date, and every city ordnance
dealing with traffic safety should
be published so that the public
will know what the local rules
and regulations are," concluded
Solicitor Holtsberry.