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Abstract
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Car accidents are increasing. Each daily newspaper reports additional mishaps. State and federal agencies are trying desperately to stop this mayhem on the roads by construction of wider, straighter, more monotonous highways, by imposition of more severe punishment on traffic violators, by campaigns for safety, and publication of gruesome accident statistics. These measures have accomplished little.
The better understanding of the factors which influence people and lead to unavoidable accidents should make us, as physicians, take the lead in inspiring those responsible for automotive safety to listen to our suggestions. All power equipment should be carefully checked for elimination of factors detracting from the driver's perceptive acuity. All horse-power in excess of adequate braking capacity and car maneuverability should be curbed. Some way should be found to make the newer roads less monotonous. Driver licensing agencies should be informed by the schools about the psychological and mental ability of the applicant. The prospective driver should have to pass a physical-psychological examination like that which the U.S. Army uses. Mental deficients should not be allowed to drive; and those people who until now were called "accident-prone", should be considered "dangerous drivers" and not given another chance. The use in automobiles of "gadgets" such as tape recorders which "inform" the busy driver should be prohibited. No one can drive a car and engage in an intelligent conversation or train of thought without endangering himself as well as the other drivers on the road.
I am sure that such measures as these are of far greater importance than speed laws and newer roads. We must make the people of our country understand that driving is a privilege and not a right. |