The Times News

NEWSPAPERS' OPINION

WHISKEY TAKES THE STEERING WHEEL

In a recent series of graphic bulletins, the National Safety Council points to a tremendous increase in drunken driving during the past year—and to a substantial gain in the number of deaths and injuries due to mixing alcohol and gasoline.

The first 12 months of repeal may have been beneficial in some respects—but it left a devastating trail of death behind it. Severe as the drunken driving problem was during prohibition, it has become doubly severe now.

The best obtainable statistics indicate that five to ten per cent of both drivers and pedestrians involved in traffic accidents are under the influence of liquor. These statistics, however, in the belief of the Council, understate matters, inasmuch as a multitude of accidents occur in which drinking is a factor but is not reported for one reason or another. A short time ago a thorough survey was made of 119 accidents involving 116 injuries and fatalities—and it showed that in 60 per cent of the accidents the alcohol factor was involved. According to the authority making this survey, as little as one ounce of whiskey will cause a measurable loss of driving efficiency in the average person.

Reports from traffic departments throughout the nation thoroughly back up the fact that drunken driving is showing an astounding gain. Drunken driving arrests amount to from 20 to 100 per cent more than they did a year ago, and police authorities likewise state that a rising percentage of accidents can be ascribed to the "little black bottle."

Here is a problem that involves the health, life and property of every citizen. It is a problem that must be fought by us all, drys and wets alike.

Under the best of conditions, highways and streets are potentially dangerous—and they become slaughter-houses when whiskey takes the steering wheel.—Asheville Advocate.