Evening Star Newspaper, October 23, 1935, Page 5

GONG SIGNALS' USE WITHLIGHTS URGED Dr. Winifred Richmend Cites Reinforcement of Eye by Sounds. Use of gong signals to supplement traffic lights to reduce the chances of failure to respond on the part of motorists and pedestrians is advocat- ed in a letter to The Star Safety Council from Dr. Winifred Richmond, psychologist at St. Elizabeth's Hos- pital. “I have been following The Star campaign against reckless driving with considerable interest,” Dr. Rich- mond said, “and although I have no desire to see my name in print, I feel it incumbent upon me to call atten- tion to a matter concerning the con- trol of crossings, which I have seen only incidentally mentioned. Sound Reinforces Eye. “Being a psychologist, I am accus- tomed to think of people’s ability to respond to signals of various sorts, and know that when the eye can be reinforced by the ear the chances of failure to respond are cut in two. You realize, of course, that when either pedestrian or motorist comes to a traf- fic light eyes must be glued upon it to enable one to know when to stop, start, and so on. Many traffic lights are in such a position that the motor- ist cannot see them if there is a car ahead, or if he stops at the white line he must duck his head and peer out | the windshield to see when the light | is changing. And often when the cau- | tion light comes on as he is nearing the intersection, he considers it the | least of two evils to dash ahead any- | ‘way. So much for the motorist. l “The pedestrian is in a worse situa- | tion, because he must stand on the sidewalk watching the light, and if he | misses two seconds in its changing he | has that much less time to make the | crossing, and as every one knows he is | likely to be caught by cars making | right and left turns, at that. Gives Sense of Security. “Having lived more or less on the West Coast, I have become accus- | tomed to the gong as a reinforcement of the lights, and know what a feel- | ing of security it gives one, both as motorist and pedestrian. The gong sounds when the caution light comes on, and all vehicles stop. There is no attempting to beat the traffic light. The gong means stop. and the motor- st goes on at his peril, but the pedes- trian starts and the street is clear until he is at least half way across, so there is no being caught by turning autos. When the second gong sounds, | the traffic starts on the green light. Of course, at crowded intersections pedestrians continue to move until the | gong sounds again and some of them | will be caught by turning vehicles, but there probably should be no turns at badly crowded intersections anyway. “This seems to me very much bet- ter than depending on the light alone. I have seen numerous complaints in the papers about pedestrians looking around, being interested in conversa- tion, even reading papers, and not | noticing the lights. With the gong sys- | tem, it is not necessary for anybody to | keep his eyes glued on the light. The gong means stop or go, and sounds catch the attention much more easily than sights anyway. No matter in what position one is standing sound strikes his ear without his co-opera- tion, but he must give his attention and co-operation every second to the lights.” Excerpts From Letters. ‘The letter from Dr. Richmond is one of hundreds which have been received by The Star Safety Council dealing with various phases of the traffic problem. Excerpts from some of these letters follow: “As & temporary resident of Wash- ington during your safety campaign, T was interested to the extent of ques- tioning several taxi drivers as to its progress and usefulness. A majority of the taxi drivers with whom I talked expressed positive conviction on the subject. The substance of their replies to my inquiries was—this campaign won't do any good as long as the so- called privileged officials with ‘low numbers’ are permitted to violate the traffic rules with immunity. “It would seem that since this im- pression appears to exist in their minds, whether incorrectly or not, that an effort to eradicate that im- pression would do much toward insur- ing the co-operation of others. ‘Whether those with ‘low numbers’ can be made subject to the police disci- pline is & debatable subject, but a cor- rection of the impression that they are immune to the traffic rules would help. JOSEPH FISH.” “Inclosed find my signed Safe Driv- ing Pledge, please send me a sticker for my car. “I drive my car every day, I see by experience that the drivers are all in a hurry to get nowhere, they weave in and out of traffic and pass on the right side if possible to crowd by, which is one of the worst violations of the law. It seems to me that most of the drivers, especially the taxi drivers, are all for self; they think that no one | else has a right on the street.” “JAMES A. GEIMAN.” “The latest bit of humor to be in- Jected into the hubbub over traffic conditions in Washington is afforded by the Kiwanis footprints importun- ing walkers not to get hurt, matched only by the droll statement of the Director of Traffic that the pedestrian constitutes the greatest traffic menace in Washington. Now let the Rotarians or the Lions paint some signs on the | roadways admonishing motorists to | give the pedestrian a break in making right and left hand turns. The| authorities would probably object to | such signs on the ground that they would slow up the traffic. “But after all, why worry about the pedestrian problem anyhow? It is| really solving itself through the rapid extinction of the pedestrian, acceler- ated by the policy of traffic regula- tion in Washington premised on the‘i view that the pedestrian is an unnec- essary evil. The process of extermina- tion may take a little longer in other more backward cities which insist on doing something to keep the pedes- trians alive but it is to be hoped that they, too, will see the futility of inter- fering with the evolutionary process and follow the enlightened example of the Nation's Capital. “HOWARD HOSMER."” APPEALS FOR GIFTS ‘The Salvation Army Social Service today appealed to the public for two wheel chairs and a pair of crutches for the use of handicapped wards of the service. Persons with the required articles can either bring them to the hospital ward of the service, at 526 First street, or communicate with the Salvation m#STORES—OMMM Army. o .-‘h | sociation had filed no personal prop- THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, Safety Becomes Form of Navy Defense Realizing that training for national defense should begin with the defense of lives now lost needlessly on the streets and highways, officers and men of the United States Naval Reserve units in the District have joined The Star safety campaign as a unit. Reserve officers are shown signing safe-driving pledges at the weekly train- ing conference. Left to right, are: Lieut. (Junior Grade) J. F. Carpenter, Lieut. (Junior Grade) R. L. Zanzot, Lieut. J. E. Sullivan, Reserve instructor; Lieut. Comdr. N. H. Crouter, Lieut. E. C. Carusi and Ensign J. W. Shultz, —Star Staff Photo. < Safety (Continued From First Page.) | dividuals and as an organization to obey the rules for traffic safety, in an effort to cut down the terrible toll of | traffic accidents, which in 15 years | has reached a death total greater tlhnn that of all the wars in which this country has engaged since its cre- l ation. ‘The local Naval Reserve comprises |t battalion composed of three Fleet Divisions and a headquarters com- pany. The annual training cruise, recent!v completed, was made aboard the U. 8. 8. Wyoming. Postal Bulletin Issued. ‘The Post Office Department, which already has joined The Star Safety Council in its campaign for safe driv- ing, has issued a bulletin to all postal employes who drive motor vehicles, calling to their attention the need for extra driving precautions in the Win- ter season which soon will set in in many parts of the country. A copy of the warning, signed by Fourth Assistant Postmaster General LAWRENCE TIPTON, Smith W. Purdum, has been sent to Newly appointed director of safety for the State of Alabama, visited The Evening Star Safety Council's office yesterday in the interest of starting a similar campaigry throughout his native State. He is shown examining a photostatic copy containing news of The Star's efforts here to promote careful driving. This copy and other information will be taken by him to Montgomery, where he intends to use it as material for his work there, “I think The Star's Council is doing a mighty fine bit of work,” Mr. Tipton said. “You ought to receive the highest commendation in the ‘ Tt g Pledge N THE interest of accident prevention and safer . . Safe Drivin conditions on the streets and highways and in l co-operation with the Safety Council of The Evening Star, 1 promise to: to every person who drives an auto- mobile, truck or bus. The text of the bulletin follows: “The period of the year is rapidly approaching when snow and ice will increase the hazards of motor vehicle operations. These conditions increase the responsibilities of the operators of mail trucks, in that extra precautions must be exercised to avoid accidents. “The necessity of observing traffic regulations, making allowence for the unusual conditions prevailing during the Winter months to meet emergen- cies, and recognizing the rights of others cannot be stressed too strongly. “It will be appreciated if you will bring this matter to the attention of all employes concerned, with a view to eliminating accidents.” After obtaining safe driving pledges Never operate at reckless speed. Drive on right of highway. Stop at all S-T-O-P signs. Refrain from jumping traffic lights. Make turns from the proper lanes. Signal before turning or stopping. Give right of way in doubtful cases. Heed pedestrians’ rights. Never pass on curve or top of hill. Slow down at intersections and schools. Keep my vehicle in safe condition. Be courteous and considerate of others. Silverware Name -.-xo-c oo TSR S B RV S LS R Address. Employer___ The Safety Council Of The Chening Star Washington, D. C. Sign and send above coupom to The Evewing Star Safety Council, Room 600, Star Building AND wonn Sale Today and T Catalogue on Application ARE YOU CONSTIPATED? THERE’S HOPE D. C. TAX SUITS BEGUN Alleging that the National Rifle As- ablets, dellclo chocolate, taste. (OPE LAXATIVE geatie and pleasin ly effective. Sold HOPE | AXA PEOPLES DRUG : h STORES erty tax return for the years 1934, 1935 and 1936, the Commissioners today instituted mandamus proceed- ings in District Supreme Court to require that this be done. The suit is directed against M. A. Reckord as executive vice president. It is one of a number started today, the others being against individuals. DAILY SPECIALS THURSDAY, OCT. 24TH PURE CANDIES very step hurts! Let our foot specialists choose from FOUR leading lines of scien- tifically designed shoes the type that will give you new freedom and com- fort. Then your feet will be off your mind — excopt when @ friend tells you how smart your shoes lookl | Modease . . . Cantilever . . . Tolese . .. ArchRelief . . « 36.50 o : Shoe shops *10 FOOT HEALTH in BECOMING SHOES RELIEF IN Release yourself from (Made without Glucose) goml-tg Covered Cream rmints PLO¢ Valoe—full pound 28¢ Milk Chocolate Covered Butter Caramels ' 70¢ Value—full pound 39¢ Milk Chocolate Fruit and Nut Assortment 44 70¢ Value—full pound ¢ genclx: Style Assorted ocolates .. . $1.00 Value—full pound 19¢ vision by having the AT THE FOUNTAINS Aiacoope of ot oo eenier 15: 10¢ modern frames. SPECIAL CLUB SANDWICH Vieginia Ham and Swiss Cheese—Pickle—Lettuce— reguler 35¢ 1319 F St. 2nd Floor ‘\\?/{/’ LW, 800 7t] 3102 11th St. The Star Council, since it is applicable | 1004 F St. N.W. B O, from all teachers at the A. H. Grimke School, Vermont avenue between T and U streets, E. P. Simmons, princi- pal, has asked The Star Council to provide 110 additional pledge cards for the parents of pupils attending the school. Cards for the teaching staff were handled through the office of District public schools. “Permit me to tell you,” Mr. Sim- mons said in a letter to the Council accompanying the signed pledge cards of his teachers, “that I have been able to secure 110 signers for the safety campaign. These signers are parents of pupils in the Grimke School. I feel elated over the fact that the parents of Grimke Schoel are interested 100 per cent in the safety campaign. The teachers are also. I am asking that you send me 110 pledge cards for sig- natures. These cards will be promptly signed and sent in, at which time will you kindly send me the safety stick- ers for these signers?” A group of 10 pupils of the new ‘Washington-Lee High School, Arling- ton County, Va., have voluntairly pledged themselves to ride bicycles safely, abiding by the general safe driving rules, and have sent their pledge cards to The Star Councii. ‘These students, all in the English class of Miss Mildred Hall, teacher at the school, are Malcolm Tuthill, 237 Washington boulevard, Clarendon; Willard 8naidman, 515 North Jackson street, Clarendon; Eugene Gurganus, 10003 North Nelson street, Clarendon; Doris Merchant, 3317 North Fairfax drive, Clarendon; Myra Lilllan Mitchell, 608 North Vermont street, Ballston; Marie Oram, 1027 North Nelson street, Clarendon; Courtney Owens, 901 North Monroe street, Clarendon; Ralph C. Muschlitz, 559 North Oakland street, Clarendon; Ed- gar P. Rice, Glencarlyn, and Robert Burke, 714 Kenmore street, Claren- don. Article to Be Distributed. The National Shirt Shops, in co- operation with the safety campaign, plan to give each customer a copy of the Reader’s Digest article “—And SEE THE NEW ARCH TIME AUCTION SALE By Catalogue Furniture and Furnishings and Jewelry Jewelry Will Be Sold FRIDAY, Oct. 25, at 3 P.M. The jewelry includes a Diamond Sunburst Pin, & Straight Row Bracelet containing about 815 carats of Diamond Solitaires, a Tiffany Mounting Solitaire weighing about 25 Ring, various other pieces In Rings, Watches, Bracelets, etc. G"u.em (uenonst carats, a Three-stone Lady’s €S Vioomid. INc. 722 Thirteenth Street omorrow at 1 P.M. BENJ. S. BELL, Auctioneer . GLASSES on CRGD'T SIGHT . .. the grip that binds your Registered Optometrist here prescribe scientifically accurate lenses for you; then select from our smart styles of Uppesite Woodward and Lethrop WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1935. A5 —————————— e Driver Who Yelled “I Hope He Dies” Gets 3-Year Term KANSAS CITY, October 23 (#). —A jury returned a manslaugh- ter conviction last night against L. J. Naar, 38, who shouted, wit- nesses said, “I hope he does die,” after a motor car collision in which Edward Kline, jr., was in- jured fatally. The jury fixed his sentence at three years' imprison- ment. Naar, a former chauffeur, com- mented: “I got off light; I thought they'd give me five years any- way.” Witnesses testified Naar was drunk whep his car crashed into Kline's August 2. Sudden Death,” which was reprinted in The Star as a part of its safety drive. The Star Council has received sev- eral requests for ald in obtaining a longer pedestrian crossing light at Du- pont Circle. It has been pointed out that the red light timing, used for pe- | destrian crossings, is not sufficient for the wider streets. Strict enforcement of the requirement that motor vehicles | stop on the yellow caution signal | probably would provide sufficient extra | time for pedestrian crossings, accord- ing to residents of the neighborhood. | Dr. Harry W. Rollings, of Wardens- ville, W. Va., at present living a!‘ 1466 Columbia road, calls attention to | the heavy fines imposed in his home | state and is of the opinion that if | such were the case here the solution of the traffic problem would be found. | Clippings Show Severity. | He sends In clippings from the Moorefield Examiner which run as follows: “State troopers operating in this vicinity arrested three drivers or owners of automobiles under the drunken driving law and all received the usual penalty. “William J. Turton, of Garrett Park, Md., was arrested Friday by State Trooper Sandridge and Officer Robinette, charged with driving while drunk. Mayor Calhoun assessed a fine of $75, gave Turton 60 days in jail and revoked his license for six months. At the same time, Robert T. Smith, of Petersburg, was fined $75, given 60 days in jail and had his license revoked for six months and car impounded for permitting Turton to drive it. Smith was tried before Squire Dolan. “Don Donovan, of Hot Springs, Va., drew a $75 fine, 60-day jail sen- tence and had his license revoked for six months when arrested by Troop- ers Graley and Sandridge on Satur- | day. Squire Dolan heard the case. “Milton McDonald, Three Churches, was arrested on Route 23 Saturday by Troopers Graley and Sandridge and Chief Robinette for driving a car un- der the influence of liquor. Brought before Squire Dolan, he was fined $75, given 60 days in jail, his car im- pounded and license revoked.” Dr. Rollings’ letter to the Safety Council of The Star follows: “I am taking the liberty to mail you, | | under separate cover, two copies of the Moorefield Examiner; Moorefield, W. Va., with marked articles relative Yo driving while drunk and permitting ‘drunken persons to drive a car owned by another person. “You will note that stiff fines are | imposed, the drunken driver is im- | prisoned and his driving license re- voked and car impounded for a suf- ficlently long period to permit the offender to meditate on the evil of his way. “If such penalties were enforced in this city the drunks and plain reck- less drivers would soon be eliminated from the streets of the city and the going for sober drivers and pedestrians would be much simplified and far safer.” HOWARD U. TRUSTEES APPROVE ARCHITECT Robinson & Williams Appointed to Draw Up Plans for Men’s Dormitory. ‘The Howard University trustees vesterday approved the appointment of Robinson & Williams, architects, to draw up plans for the men's dormi- tories to be erected on the campus with $525,000 allocated by the P. W. A. The site selected for the dormi- tories consists of the eastern half of the square bounded by Girard street on the north, Sixth street on the east and Fairmont street on the south. Quarters will be made available for 200 students, the dormitories to be | built in two-story units. Birth Rate Drops. The European birth rate in South Africa has dropped 897 a thousand in the last 25 years. Don’t Neglect Dangerous HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Headaches, shortness of breath and dizzv spells may' be warnings of high blood pre-- sure. To get at the cause. drink Mountain Valley Mineral Water direct from famous Hot Springs, Arkansas. Endorsed by physi- cians for over 30 years. Phone for booklet. Mountain Valley Mineral Water M O 1 K ORANGES! ORANGES! ORANCES! 3 CARLOADS! Fine Q uality California Valencias A one-day sale of these fine juice oranges. California Valencias are now at the peak of their flavor and juiciness. Why not lay in a supply tomorrow while you can take ad- vantage of this o ffer? ONE DAY ONLY! Tomorrow (Thursday) PE DOZEN Priced According to Size R 18¢ 20c 29c All Sizes Not in All Stores SANITARY-PIGGLY WIGGLY: F00D ORES