Evening star., 1953-12-05
Drive Pressed
For Curbs on
Private Buses
Bon on Maryland
School Vehicles Is
Urged in District

| MdryldLlO private SCHOOL buses
from the District was raised at
a meeting of the Metropolitan
Area Traffic Council yesterday.
District Traffic Director George
E. Keneipp said a committee of
the Commissioners Traffic Ad-
visory Board will consider such a
ban and other special regulations
affecting all private buses and
their drivers at a meeting at 2
pm. Tuesday.
The council, which strongly
recommended that Maryland en-
act legislation requiring vehicle
inspection. referred the problem
of tighter control over private
school buses and their drivers to
a newly created committee on
uniform regulation.
Mr.. Keneipp said possible
minimum age requirements and
special examinations for private
bus operators in the District as
we'll as mandatory safety de-
vices will be discussed. The
District already requires inspec-
tion of local vehicles.
A ban on Maryland private
school vehicles would prevent
them from picking up children
| in the District.
Accident Raises Issue.
Demands for stricter regula-
tions of private school buses and
their drivers is the outgrowth
Of a bus accident near Rock
vile last July in which a child
was killed and IL were injured.
The Council also established
permanent Courts Committee,
and approved recommendations
of its subcommittee on congestion
calling for:
l. The employment of full-time
traffic engineers by all political
subdivisions of $4,000 population
or more.
2. Better utilization of traffic
divisions or bureaus where these
already form a part of police de-
partments and the establishment
of these units where they do not
exist.
3. A positive program to pro-
vide adequate off-street parking
facilities.
4. A study Of needed highways
and related facilities to meet the
increasing problem of conges-
ton.
Inspection Urged.
Mr.. Keneipp said the Coun-
Gil strongly urges the Mary
land Legislature to adopt some
form of inspection legislation so
that all three jurisdictions may
have the benefit of this proved
means of reducing traffic acci-
dents and fatalities"
Other recommendations ap-
proved by the council included:
l. That drivers licenses be re-
fused known alcoholics. epilep-
tics, and drug addicts, and that
the period of rehabilitation OF
alcoholics and drug addicts be
at least one year..
2. That the permit or license
of persons using insulin be SO
marked so that diabetes may not
be confused with alcoholic in
toxication by police.
8. That drivers be required to
have a 20/40 vision in at least
one eye.
4. That central driver files be
maintained by all jurisdictions.
S. The adoption of a sound
hearings program for driver i'm
provement. with a point system
as guide.
6. Jail sentences for drivers
operating vehicles after suspen-
sion or revocation of driver
permits.
7. Mandatory revocation or
suspension of permits following
conviction for drunk driving,
homocide by means of an auto
mobile, leaving the scene of an
accident involving personal in
jury, reckless driving involving
personal injury, involuntary
manslaughter, and felony in
connection with the use Of an
automobile, any traffic violation
while transporting explosives,
and making a false statement or
affidavit in connection with the
issuance Of a driver permit or
license.
Highway District.
It was pointed out that moth
ing has been done about the
creation of a Washington Met
ropolitan Area highway i'm
provement district, since forma-
ton of such a district will neces-
state action by the respective
legislative bodies.
Clifton G.. Stoneburner, Ar
lington County highway engi-
neer. said Virginia now is max
ing a study of highways In the
Washington area and suggested
that no action toward develop
ing a highway district be taken
until the Virginia report is in.
He said the report is expected
next week.
Council Chairman Brig. Gen.
Louis w. Prentiss, Engineer Com
missioner for the District. said
the formation of permanent
courts committee was essential
to bring closer cooperation be-
tween the courts and the police.
Pointing out that Maryland is
short 165 State policemen, Paul
Burke, council vice chairman and
head of the Maryland Traffic
Safety Commission, said he will
ask the Legislature this year to
provide funds to employ the
needed troopers.
He said such a shortage should
be considered an emergency,
adding that there should be
enough public sentiment in its
favor for the LEGISLATURE to con-