Evening star., 1950-02-19
Observance Real Aim
OF Traffic Laws, Not
Arrests, DC. Believes
By Arthur (. Miller

Inspector in Charge of Traffic
Metropolitan Police Department, D. C.
The universal nature of traffic
problems calls for uniform regu-
lations to the highest practical
extent. A very definite effort has
been made by authorities in Wash
ington, D. c.. to have our traffic
laws reasonable, enforceable, and
understandable. The latest revi-
sion went into effect on Septem-
Der /, 1949.
The adoption of law is not
enough, however. 1t is the admin
stration and enforcement of the
laws that Is the real test. The
majority OF the public is in favor
Of strict enforcement If it Is done
consistently and impartially. It
must be recognized that, funda-
mentally, traffic law enforcement
is for the safety Of the public.
Traffic laws are made to be
observed, not just to be enforced.
New Feature.
A new feature has been added
TO the enforcement and educa-
tional activities in Washington
recently-a project of the Com
missioners' Traffic Advisory Board
A traffic school was established
on January 8, 1948. Over 5000
students have attended this course.
The purpose is to instruct those
sent to us by the Traffic Court
Judges, the Board of Revocation
and Restoration, and Permit
Section of the Department of
Vehicles and Traffic in the prin-
cipal traffic laws and regulations.
The average individual is cour-
teous and considerate when in his
own home or when visiting friends
or relatives; but when this same
individual gets behind the steer
ing wheel of a vehicle he Is a
changed person. He seems to feel
superior; he has an altogether
different viewpoint; he becomes
power drunk. To control this be-
havior Is a real problem.
Another phase of the traffic
problem is the pedestrian. Pedes-
trian injuries and deaths COM
prise about 10 per cent Of the
problem in most cities, and that's
true In Washington. Enforce
ment Of the pedestrian regulation
is rather personal thing, and
SO many persons seem to feel that
enforcement will solve everything.
If we expect and require pedes-
trians to obey signals and use
crosswalks at both controlled and
uncontrolled intersections, we
must protect them adequately
when they are obeying the regu-
lations.
Volume 22.8 Per Cent Over 1941.
While there has been some in
crease in injury and property
damage accidents. traffic volume
has also increased continuously
since the war, and is now 22.8I
per cent over 1941-the peak be-
fore the war.
1t Is believed that there would
be improvement in driving and
walking If all concerned would
comply with few sensibles rules
IN the interest Of safety:
l. Give driving your full time
and attention.
2. Have your car under con-
troll at all times. taking into
consideration the volume Of
traffic both vehicular and
pedestrian - condition of the
streets, weather, day or night,
and condition Of your car.
3. Pedestrians should cross at
crosswalks (marked or un-
markedD and obey the signals.
4. Motorists turning right or
left should yield the right of
way to pedestrians in cross
walks and at unsignalized In
tersections yield right Of way
to pedestrians.
S. Have the proper attitude
toward each other-pedestrian
to driver. or driver to pedestrian
or driver toward driver.