THE NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
INTERNATIONAL HIcHWAY CONFERENCES
The great development of modern highways in the United States
has focused attention upon the benefits which adequate highway
systems can bring to all countries. Living standards are raised,
increased means of communication lessen misunderstandings, and
international trade is fostered. We therefore look with favor upon
all sound proposals for international conferences on the subject of
improved highways and ask that all possible steps be taken to
facilitate through such conferences the exchange of knowledge
respecting all phases of highway development. (Resolution, Four-
teenth Annual Meeting, 1926.)
HicawAay SAFETY
Modern conditions of traffic on streets and highways have
greatly increased accidents involving personal injury and damage
to property. Widespread attention has been attracted, and under
the auspices of the Department of Commerce a very successful
conference has been held, with wide participation. Out of this
conference have come studies of conditions and recommendations
which every community should consider. Each local organization
in the Chamber’s membership should give close attention to all
factors which will promote street and highway safety.
To reduce traffic accidents, compulsory insurance has in some
quarters been advocated for the owner of each automobile. A care-
ful study of these proposals fails to disclose reasons to believe that,
if adopted, they will reduce accidents. For that reason, and for
other reasons appearing in the report before this meeting, we oppose
the principles of compulsory automobile insurance and advocate
efforts which are calculated to increase the safety of our streets.
(Resolution, Fourteenth Annual Meeting, 1926.)
HicEwAy BRIDGES
The construction of important bridges causes financial problems
in connection with improvement of highways. Whenever after
careful survey it is found to be necessary to meet these problems
by permitting the erection of toll bridges, authority to build and
operate such bridges should be granted only upon definite condi-
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