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Abstract
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With the addition of the motor vehicle to our methods of
transit, new problems of danger are presented to pedes-
trians in particular in every large city. Already in Buffalo a
sufficient number of accidents has occurred, attributable to care-
lessness by chauffeurs, or the too great speed of their machines,
to justify some supervision of this new method of travel and
traffic.
With the increase in trolley cars along our principal streets,
and the large army of male and female bicyclists, together with
the reckless delivery wagon drivers, it has become nearly impos-
sible for people afoot to cross without danger to life or limb.
Now, to all this is added the automobile with electric or steam-
power, driven by a novice or other indifferent person who cares
for naught except his own comfort or sport.
Most persons who preside at the lever of these carriages
appear to regard their whole duty as discharged when they
have clanged their bells which, for the most part, is done at a
time when they startle a person or a horse and add confusion to
the already confounded pedestrian or beast. The steam vehicles,
too, are a source of fear to many horses which is a further cause
of danger.
We are fully of the opinion that the automobile is a useful
carriage and will grow in favor if it is properly handled; but
those who use it must understand that they do not possess the
right of way over every other method of traffic. They must be
made to realise that as yet they are in minority and cannot
trample on the rights of others with impunity, especially when
they use such a powerful machine fraught with danger, if
uncivilly or unskilfully guided.
We have felt impelled to allude to this matter now in the
hope that some action may be taken to properly regulate this
useful carriage, and prevent accidents that belong to the pre-
ventable class.
Language: en |