PATROL FACTOR IN MAKING STATE HIGHWAY SAFE

12 ARIZONA HIGHWAYS MAY, 1937 Patrol Factor In Making

ARIZONA'S HIGHWAYS will be made safer for those using them. Arizona's terrible 1936 highway toll must be reduced. This edict in effect, has been issued by law-enforcing executives in the state, who are receiving hearty co-operation and support of lawabiding residents, and motorists who are mindful of the rights of others on the highways. It is only the heedless who fail to grasp the public trend and who now oppose the efforts of the peace officers to terminate the caravan of death that has stalked Arizona's highways. Attempts to "beat the rap" and evade the traffic laws have been unavailing. Dozens of self-appointed emissaries have found efforts to "save" some friend unsuccessful. The state convention of the Arizona Safety Council, held in Phoenix May 3 and 4 went far towards further crystallizing public opinion favorable to enforcement of traffic laws. It is the aim of this organization to aid in every way possible reduction of accidents on the highways. A careful check of 200 cities in the country has disclosed that between 60 and 85 per cent of all police endeavors have to do with traffic law violations or motor vehicle accidents. A large proportion of the traffic accidents are attributable to defective motor vehicles. A great factor today in reducing traffic accidents is to provide means of preventing defective cars from using the highways. Rigid enforcement of all traffic laws has rapidly purchased a "Safety Lane," for testing motor vehicles. Some interesting data has been gathered during the short time the "lane" has been in operation in Phoenix. Twenty-seven per cent of the cars passing through the lane have received an official approval sticker. Ten per cent of the cars found defective have returned after their defects were corrected for clearance. The remaining 63 per cent failed to report. "We are going to reduce the needless sacrifice of human life on our highways," Supt. Thomas Rumans of the Arizona Highway patrol said before the assembled delegates to the convention. "We believe a great reduction is within possibility, viewed in the light of our record up until this time."

State Highways Safer

"We have had wonderful co-operation all along the line. The fourteen sheriffs of the state, the police departments in the various communities, all have done their share. Magistrates and judges before whom our cases have been presented, too, have cooperated. Without this universal assistance we would

Safety Council and Enforcement Officers

have been powerless to accomplish the wonderful results to which we point with pride.

"I have every reason to believe the results thus far achieved warrant our action, and we shall continue to enforce the law. We want the co-operation of all citizens. None can tell when the victim of some accident may be our loved ones, and regardless of who they may be, there is always someone to whom a highway mishap brings grief. Let's reduce it to the minimum."