Evening star., 1949-04-21
Conference Hears Plea
For Change in Law on ,
Drivers Responsibility

New financial responsibility
provisions for the Districts present
safety responsibility law were
urged before the Fourth Annual
Traffic Court Conference held in
Municipal Court today.
The proposed provisions would
be similar to those now in effect
in Maryland and Virginia and II
other States. according to Charles
c. Collins, attorney. He explained
that these require that when an
accident occurs. with few excep-
tions, each driver is called on to
show that he is insured or that
he is financially responsible to the
extent of the probable costs arising
from the accident.
This is done before any court
determination Of blame and, if a
driver does not furnish proof Of
financial responsibility. he is not
permitted to continue to drive.
50 Attend Conference.
The conference, which was at
tended by about so persons, was
sponsored by the District Bar As
sociation, the Commissioners
Traffic Advisory Board and the
Junior Board of Commerce. 1t
also heard expansion urged for
the driver training program in the
District schools.
/ Those discussing the traffic
problems were members of panel
headed by George D. Nelson of
Municipal Court and including Mr..
Collins, Lawson w. Cantrell, as
sistant superintendent off schools. !.
Charles H. Burton of the Junior
Board Of Commerce; Ernest H.
Brett, Keystone Automobile Club
manager: Godfrey Munter, former
president of the District Bar Asso-
citation: Richard w. Galiher, at
torney; Howard M. Starring ofthe
Association of Casualty and In
surance Companies, and Wilfred
E. Lawson, attorney z
Mr.. Cantrell said at present
there are four instructors artd four
cars used in the school training
program. He said l6 instructors
and as many cars are needed, and
he put the cost at between $780,
900 and $4,000 a year.
Appropriation Sought.
Mr.. Burton urged that Con-
gress be asked to appropriate this
sum. Mr.. Brett said proper driver
training would be reflected in a
reduction of the accident rate. He
added it would also serve to re-
duce the higher insurance rate
for drivers under Is.
Most Of the discussion was de-
voted to the question of whether
there was need for amending the
safety responsibility law.
Mr.. Munter said he believed
the present law has worked well
and is adequate. 1t was pointed
out that in the District a drivers
permit may be revoked If he is
convicted of certain violations or
If a Judgment against him res
mains unsettled after 80 days.
Suits Often Lengthy.
Mr.. Burton made the point that
it may take 18 months or two years
for suit arising from an accident
to be disposed of. In the mean
time. he pointed out. negligent
driver involved would still be run
ming hisNcar.
Mr.. Starting said that only about
IS per cent of District. cars carry
insurance. Mr.. Collins remarked
that If the proposed provisions
are adopted it is hoped this per-
centage will be raised to 95.
None of the panel members ia
vored the Massachusetts, coinpul-
sorry insurance law. Mr.. Collins
said that after that law was
adopted insurance rates approxi-
mately trebbled and that many
flake claims resulted.
Lowry N. Coe. president Of the
District Bar Association. presided
at the opening of the conference.
Chief Judge George p. Barse OF
the Municipal Cout welcomed
those attending the conference.
He suggested a regional safety
program with nearby Maryland
and Virginia communities Coop
Grating with the District.