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Editorial
January 19, 1953
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
The 1952 Christmas weekend saw a record 556 highway deaths, per the National Safety Council. The editorial calls this an unnecessary sacrifice and endorses Florida's practice of erecting roadside crosses at fatal accident sites to sober drivers, urging other states to adopt it.
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A RECORD 1952 CHRISTMAS
The National Safety Council recently announced that the four-day Christmas weekend exacted a highway death toll of 556. This is an all-time record, surpassing the previous record of 555 fatalities in the Christmas holiday of 1936.
When considering the 556 deaths, due to highway accidents during the recent Christmas weekend, one must also take into account the thousands temporarily or permanently injured in these and other accidents. It occurs to us that the offering of some 500 lives each Christmas is a sacrifice which is almost as unappreciated as it is unnecessary.
At least one state has attempted to remind motorists of the death threat which always hovers above the highway by erecting crosses along the highway where deaths have occurred. It is a sobering sight to see three or four crosses in a spot on the side of the road as one speeds along to his destination. The sight, and resulting meditation, has caused more than one driver to slow down.
This method has been tried by the State of Florida, and it is worth the consideration of all states who have not tried it.
The National Safety Council recently announced that the four-day Christmas weekend exacted a highway death toll of 556. This is an all-time record, surpassing the previous record of 555 fatalities in the Christmas holiday of 1936.
When considering the 556 deaths, due to highway accidents during the recent Christmas weekend, one must also take into account the thousands temporarily or permanently injured in these and other accidents. It occurs to us that the offering of some 500 lives each Christmas is a sacrifice which is almost as unappreciated as it is unnecessary.
At least one state has attempted to remind motorists of the death threat which always hovers above the highway by erecting crosses along the highway where deaths have occurred. It is a sobering sight to see three or four crosses in a spot on the side of the road as one speeds along to his destination. The sight, and resulting meditation, has caused more than one driver to slow down.
This method has been tried by the State of Florida, and it is worth the consideration of all states who have not tried it.
What sub-type of article is it?
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Highway Deaths
Christmas Accidents
Roadside Crosses
Safety Reminders
Florida Method
What entities or persons were involved?
National Safety Council
State Of Florida
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Highway Safety Memorials For Accident Victims
Stance / Tone
Advocating For Road Safety Reminders
Key Figures
National Safety Council
State Of Florida
Key Arguments
556 Highway Deaths Over 1952 Christmas Weekend Is A Record Surpassing 1936's 555
Thousands Injured In Accidents
500 Lives Lost Each Christmas Is An Unappreciated And Unnecessary Sacrifice
Erecting Crosses At Accident Sites Reminds Motorists Of Death Threats
Florida's Method Of Roadside Crosses Has Caused Drivers To Slow Down
Other States Should Consider This Method