The Courier from Waterloo, Iowa • 4

ar- WATERLOO DAILY COUmBU, WATERLOO, IOW MONDAY, NOVEWIEt U. Pojt Pw Speed Up to 70 for 25 MPH Turn? yprxettfmy Opinion Rage Editorials Better Warnings Needed At Hwy. 63 South Turn SPEED 1 Lm" TURN Wtl.V 70- ,50 m1 4 4r TRUCKS I Vl 1 'J w- xrtj i WHAT'S THIS? "A curv, ahead," th. driver says to himself. "Better slow down, maybe to 60 or even 50.

I'm out in the open country now and there are no right-angle turns on Iowa primary highways. PRESCRIPTION FOR AN ACCIDENT: This sign indicates to motorists heading for the new Highway 63 south that they have reached en open primary highway and that they may safely accelerate to the indicated speed. "OH, NO! Hit the brakes! How come the sign said speed up to 70 miles per hour when there was a 25-mile-per-hour curve such a short distance ahead? Good Lord, I'm not going to make it, I'm going into the ditch!" And so, another accident. Horn's Survey of the new Highway 63 heading toward Hudson. We realize, of course, that this is only a temporary situation caused by delay in completion of Highway 63 through West Waterloo.

But there have been so many accidents that additional warnings are needed even on this temporary basis. MANY OF THE ACCIDENTS have involved northbound drivers. Lulled into complacency by the straight, level, controlled-access highway after leaving Hudson, the driver who isn't paying much attention continues at speeds which make negotiation of the right-angle turn impossible. These accidents are, of course, the driver's own fault; but something needs to be done to force his attention on the upcoming right-angle turn. In addition to removal to the new location of the 70-mile speed limit sign for southbound drivers, we believe the 25-mile-per-hour sign for both northbound and southbound traffic should be placed farther back from the turn and flashing lights installed beside it.

We are confident that these two changes would eliminate most, if not all, of the accidents at this dangerous turn. A CONTINUAL series of accidents Is occurring on the right-angle turn south of Waterloo where the extension of Highway 412 turns onto the new Highway 63. One driver was injured recently when he was unable to negotiate the turn and numerous other less serious accidents have been recorded. AVE ARE CONFIDENT that one of the causes of thp accidents by southbound traffic is the placement of the 70 Miles Per Hour speed sign only a short distance in advance of the turn. As the series of pictures to the right demonstrates, the unwary driver has just enough open highway to reach the 70-mile-per-hour speed when he sees the warning sign.

He will then slow down somewhat, but many are rot expecting a right-angle turn and fail to slow down enough to negotiate the turn. To most drivers, the 70-mile speed limit sign on the outskirts of cities is an indication that the suburban congestion problems have been passed and that an open primary highway lies ahead. In the situation involved here, the 70-mile sign should not be in this location but removed to the beginning Many Admit They Are Poor Drivers But Majority Rate Selves As Superior By LOUIS HARRIS A WIDESPREAD pattern of folly behind the wheel is I revealed by a survey of a TABLE II ADMIT TO BAD DRIVING HABITS TOTAL DRIVERS Pir Cint "Someone close to me:" Won't use safety belts 51 Often exceeds speed limits 51 Tail-gates too much. 21 Often forgets to signal properly 17 So scared, goes too slow 16 Changes a rs onality at wheel 13 Cuts in and out in passing 12 Takes out personal frustration on highway Poor eyesight or poor hearing II Loses head in emergencies 10 Often gets in wrong lane for turning 10 TABLE I DRIVERS ASSESS OTHER DRIVERS TOTAL DRIVERS Per Cenl Great many drivers who: Won't use safety belts 81 Often exceed speed limit 74 Tail-gate too much 60 Cut in and out in passing 52 Forget to signal properly 48 Lose head in emergency 35 Take out personal frustrations in driving. 33 Change personality at wheel 32 Often get in wrong lane for turning 30 Poor eyesight or poor hearing 21 So scared, go too slow 1 7 cross section In addition, 1 of every 6 adults says at least one member of his family drives too slowly because he is frightened behind the wheel; 1 of every 3 thinks there are a great many drivers who lose their heads during emergencies or take out personal frustrations behind the wheel; and more than half of the drivers say that many motorists often exceed speed limits, follow other cars too closely and cut in and out of traffic.

Rate Selves Highly Part of the problem undoubtedly is that 78 per cent of Americans, in spite of admitting to some personal shortcomings, rate themselves as superior drivers. The same cross-section rates only 60 per cent of "other drivers" as good-excellent, The gap between the 78 per cent positive rating that drivers give themselves and the 60 per cent accorded to others can only mean that nearly 1 in every 5 drivers has more confidence than others do or perhaps he should have in his driving capability. By the same token, the 22 per cent who express less than full confidence in their own abilities will be viewed by some as hazards of another kind. Driver Comments Drivers themselves are highly vocal and articulate about the problems. A 64-year-old widow in Ithaca said, "People are careless, feel that accidents can't happen to them.

I myself don't use the safety belt, except on long trips. But, of course, the statistics show accidents occur close to home." A 30-year-old warehouse clerk in Everett, said, "Older people, my old man, to tell you the truth, have poor vision and hearing and go 20 miles per hour. After 55, there should be yearly exams to renew a license." But in Eaton Rapids, of adult Ameri cans who drive cars which helps show why there were 37,700 deaths on high tirement rules in private business impractical. the 29-year-old wife of a skilled laborer pointed blame at the other end of the age spectrum: "It's the kids they have no idea what speed can do. They think the car's a toy." And in Blue Springs, a 56-year-old housewife said, "People speed and don't even know it in these comfortable new cars.

I also wonder if people don't take these no-doze pills tod much and get pepped up at the wheel." In Elton, a 46-year-old garage mechanic had another reason for the excess speed: "People have other things on their minds 'while driving. They live too fast and drive too fast and they're careless." Ra-le Others When asked directly about 11 key driving infractions, drivers complained most about ethers for not using seat belts, exceeding speed limits, tail-gating and cutting in and out while passing. See Table 1. It is one thing, of course, for people to believe other drivers commit all kinds of infractions behind the wheel. But it is something else again to get drivers to admit their own shortcomings.

In order to see just how much people would admit to bad driving habits, for each of the 11 items, people were asked, "Is there anyone close to you like that?" See Table II. Definite patterns emerge when these answers are ana- ways in 1964 and why the 1965 death rate is even higher. One of every five drivers admits that he isn't very good at driving on the road. And 4 of every 10 rate most other motorists as only fair or poor drivers. The Grand Canyon was discovered by a soldier of Spain, searching for the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola 43 years after Columbus' reached America.

Strictly Personal Harris Rates His Tennis in 'Upper 80s' By SYDNEY J. HARRIS ONE OF THE virtues of golf although is is not a same I play is that each player knows exactly how the others play, even before getting on the course. Allen-Scott Report nrnnvjn nn lyzed by age. People between 21 and 35 years of age report that persons "close to them" are guilty of nearly all the dangerous driving practices, particularly of excessive speeding and changing personality at the wheel. 50 Per Cent Violate When analyzed by education, college graduates tend to admit to being worse drivers than the rest, including refusal to wear seat belts and tail-gating too much.

Fifty per cent of all drivers report they have been stopped by a policeman, given a ticket or actually arrested for a driving violation. Uniformly, these people also admit a much higher personal incidence of bad driving practices. The inevitable conclusion is that either the punishments for bad driving don't deter dangerous practices or that some drivers a substantial minority-pcrhaps don't belong behind the wheel in thi first place. 1 The score you normally shoot is how you play. This is not true of most other pastimes.

A stranger telephoned me today, saying he was the friend of a friend in New York. Our mutual friend had suggested he call me when he got to town, to play chess. "He says you're quite a cood chess rjlaver," the man THE PUBLIC SPEAKS Harris Forced Retirement Gets Jobless Pay THE IOWA Employment Security Commission has ruled that employes who are forced to retire under company or union rules are entitled to full unemployment compensation. This is done under an interpretation of the law which awards the jobless pay to those who lose their job through no fault of their own. WHILE THE RULING cannot be challenged under existing law, the advisability of changing the law should be studied.

The purpose of the law is to enable workers during their working years to have this carry-through income while they are seeking another job. It was never intended to provide a bonus upon retirement, even though the individual must theoretically be looking for work while drawing it. Effect of the rule imposed by the commission, however will be to eliminate or drastically reduce compulsory retirement rules. No employer is going to have his unemployment compensation tax increased if he can help it because of the additional claims by retirees. YET COMPULSORY retirement, while it can be argued pro and con, certainly is considered desirable by many businessmen and labor unions.

The businessman feels that some people try to work after their capacity has been drastically impaired and that compulsory retirement avoids the embarrassment of discharging the incompetent. And unions tend to feel that compulsory retirement, if penions are adequate, tends to spread employment and create jobs. Significantly, the Democrat-controlled Iowa legislature this year passed a compulsory retirement law for state employes. Yet a state agency adopts a ruling which makes compulsory re- tUattrloa Dailn Courier fitll Ilia it Vftil Reader Says Mayor Lost Gracefully "No, man- this isn't my vife end daughter if's my husband and son!" Then, too, what other group of people mind their own business, care for themselves and ask no help from anyone, and live up to the law of the Ten Commandments more than our Amish people? All they ask is to be left alone. Why not work on crimes that are crimes? M.

F. DIESTLER 216 Grant St. Agrees That Rath's Needs Help WATERLOO To the Editor: After reading Bill Whit-akcr's letter Needs Our Nov. 10 in the Courier I will have to agree with him on many of his comments. First let me say that during my 30 years as an em ploye there, I always found all of the officers, superintendents and foremen willing to discuss many problems in the packinghouse industry.

Many times we would not always agree, but we always were friends. What will happen if Rath's should ever close down e-mains a mystery. I hope this never happens. I agree with Mr. Whilakcr, In his letter, that the employes should make some effort to put Rath's back in shape so that the stockholders realize something on their investment.

My only comment on working conditions at the plant is on their incentive plan, which I don't think is fair. Two people work side by side, but one makes hour for hour, tht other gets equivalent of double time. JOHN W. IIAZLirr 804 Knoll Ave. Washington Merry-Co-Round Hotline Shut Down by Power Failure-Pearson Say Bad Ammo Hurts U.

S. Troops By ROBERT S. ALLEN and PAUL SCOTT WASHINGTON, D. C. Defective ammunition and shortage of essential supplies are plaguing U.

S. fighting forces in Viet Nam. In several instances, faulty bombs and shells have caused casualties to U. S. and South Viet Nam troops.

Lack of commu i a i equipment and repeated delays in obtaining parts for helicopters have hampered combat and other operations. Inspection These are the shocking findings of staff investigators of the Senate Armed Services Preparedness Subcommittee who have just completed the month long inspection of the Viet Nam fighting front and the U. S. military buildup there. In an unpublished report submitted to Senator John Stennis, chairman, the staff probers told of receiving numerous complaints from U.

S. fighting men of aerial bombs, mortar and artillery shells that were "defective or turned out to be duds." Other serious battle mishaps were due to defective mortar and artillery shells falling short of enemy positions and landing in friendly Vietnamese villages and among attacking U. S. and South Vietnamese troops. Sources of Trouble While the Senate investigators have reached no final conclusion and are continuing their inquiries, most of the "defective" ammunition has been traced to shipments of 10 year old shells and bombs that were not "reworked" before being sent overseas.

Army and Air Force funds for this purpose have been severely curtailed by Defense Secretary McNamara in recent years under his highly publicized cost-production program. A McNamara directive requiring the Army to sell $75 million of equipment yearly to foreign buyers is being blamed for the shortages in communication equipment and helicopter spare parts. By DREW PEARSON WASHINGTON, D. C- Defense officials have tried to hush it up, but the Washing- hotline went DENNIS THE MENACE dead during a week remarked. "Not at all," I replied.

"I'm only an ardent one." No Measurement How "well" docs anyone play chess, or bridge, or tennis? There is no objective measurement until you have played with him. I am a "good" chess player only by mediocre social standards; by expert standards, I am an intolerable duffer. In golf, a player barely breaks 100. or shoots in the 90s," 80s nr 70s. These classes are distinct and objective.

No false modesty is possible, and no guesswork is necessary; the score speaks for itself. It might eliminate a lot of social mistakes and tensions if people would rate their prowess at other games on the same basis as golf. Mv chess game, for instance, is in the upper 80s: my bridge game is in Die 90s. My tennis used to be somewhere in the upper 70s, and now is in the upper 80s. No 'Handicap' Moreover, in golf, it doesn't really matter how poor one's opponent is.

The better player handicaps himself a certain number of strokes; and. besides, each player is playing against par, and not against his opponent. A duffer and an expert can have a fairly en-jovable game. This is impossible in most other contests. A good chess player is no challenge in playing against a potzer; an expert bridge player is bored to tears (unless the stakes are extremely high) playing against a palooka.

And a tennis match is no game at all if one of the players tan barely return the ball. In this sense, 1 suppose, golf is perhaps the most democratic and fraternal of games: the good player does rot look down upon the inferior one with contempt and impatience. His anger is reserved for his own inadequacies; plavers get mad only at themselves in golf. The anger of the bridge player at his inept partner might be ameliorated if some kind of handicapping system were possible at the table, just as a golf partnership will be allowed a handicap. If three spades, for instance, were "game" for a poor partnership, instead of four spades, it might tend to equalize the disparity of some matches.

Which reminds me of the lady who had butchered a hand and turned to ask the expert watching her how she should have playpd it. "Under an assumed name," he whispered fiercely, and strode away. massive power WATERLOO To the Editor: As I read Miss Margaret Hoppes' letter (about Mayor Jochumsen being a "poor in the Thursday Courier, I couldn't help but wonder what prompted her to justify her rash conclusion. The letter infers that she represents Waterloo "young people" in expressing their ideals. Who set her up as such a judge to decide which community leaders we shall pal-tern ourselves after? Why does she refer to the West High football team, for it would seem that by trying to connect two wholly unrelated things she actually weakens her argument.

And where does she get the notion that Mr. Jochumsen lost ungracefully? I followed the election with some interest and do not remember one incident of his acting as the "spoiled child" he is portrayed as. Is her conclusion unfounded? I believe most Waterloo people who followed the election and its aftermath will agree with me when I state that it is. JOHN BURNS 512 Independence Ave. Urges Leave Amish Alone CEDAR FALLS To the Editor: Concerning the letter written by Mrs.

C. W. Brink Government I want to say, "Mrs. Brink, you are so right." myself, and a great number more feel the same way as you do. failure.

The Russian govern me was notified at once through other channels that the shut-down was VOL. 107-NO. 273 AMI Pearson cable maintained by International Telephone and Telegraph and a high frequency radio communications system maintained by Radio Coropra-tion of America. The power failure reportedly knocked out both systems for a short time. Edward Glodeck, an ITT executive who said he was authorized to speak for the company, refused to talk about the hotline.

Asked the cause of the line's failure, he would only say: "My instructions are, if the question should come up, not to discuss it with anyone." RCA's chief engineer, Eugene Becken. was more frank. Acknowledging that an "outage" had occurred in the hotline, he claimed RCA had been able to get the circuit back in operation within two hours. 'Unprecedented Problem' He also assured this column: "The shutdown of the hotline was caused by an unprecedented problem. RCA has taken additional measures to prevent anything like this from happening again.

If we have any more failures of this kind, the hotline will not be affected." Cedar Faiia Banntr citiaUthed 1854 Moved to Water loo and nimi chimed Courier Otc. 25. Ifcl8. Waterloo Reporter to 19i4 and Waterloo Tribune 1831 ir.erfed ith Waterloo Courier. All rifriu to uit el trie name Courier, Reporter and Tribune retained by W.

H. Hartman Company puoluher. Pu Dinned daily ex-cept tatuidey by trie H. Hartman Co Courier Corner Parke Ave. and Commercial it Telepnone Branch Exchange ADarru 4-3541 Banc tubtcrirrUon price: By carrier per week tOc; by mail iln lowai per year 113.00.

by mail iouta.de lowai per year (22 00, apeciaJ aesvicemeaa rate eny-uncrei per year $13 00 Second Claw PoaUfe Paid at Waterloo, tow. Tnree Lcawd Wirei Aitoctated Preu strictly accidental. Otherwise, the Russians might have jumped to the dangerous conclusion that the United States had shut off communications to hide a military move. Throughout the electrical blackout Pentagon officials gave repeated assurances that defense communications had not been interrupted. This column has learned, however, that the emergency teletype linking the White House and the Kremlin was out of order for two hours.

RCA Comments Actually, the famous hotline consists of two lines i MEMBER or ASSOCIATED PRESS The Auociated Preu entitled exciuaiveiy to the use for repuohcauoo of tne local nam puoluhed in tnia nippr welj all AP newt dupaltaea A1J t.n;i of republicauoo of all apodal diapatchea are auto reserved IMBEfl AUDIT RI AO o7CTRC UXAT1 ON It li not trie Intention of the manaiement to uiirrl deuduient or miiieading edvertnemenij and the r.jnt la leieried to eliminate autk parti of copy aa are not admiitibie under tne ruiea of paper or emit an ad-ertmng oppoaed to public policy or the policy of the paper or trial aervirc in any way to Influence the con-aurt of tne paoer. tpectaJ kindi of edvertiting ere re-JertH alicaeiner. llory Ke ly-Sniith Reorriatot vet Yem, Brton, Cuvejnd, Ch'uio, 4 La La. Ux Ar. le-ea, iu frenclaco, Deuoit, Uaml.

"'Cause I knew 'Yankee Doodle BETTER, that's why!".