Efforts to reduce the ever-increasing number of highway
accidents continued to occupy much of Governor Tawes' time
and attention during his second term. He was appalled at
the death and destruction caused by these accidents, and spoke
often on the subject.

The Governor did more than talk about the problem, how-
ever. In addition to annual increases in the strength of the
State Police,, he urged the Judiciary to impose stern penalties
on those who violated the traffic laws. Through the annual
Governor's Safety-Health Conference and the Youth Traffic
Safety Conference, he attempted to arouse the citizenry to the
threat to life and property posed by the unsafe driver. A
State Traffic Safety Advisory Council was created and placed
under the direction of a special assistant to the Governor.
Legislation was enacted to require youths under 18 to complete
at least 30 hours of driver education before being granted an
operator's license.

For its efforts in promoting traffic safety, Maryland in 1964
received six awards from the National Safety Council and
recognition as one of the leading states in the nation in
this field.

ADDRESS, SAFETY FIRST CLUB OF MARYLAND

BALTIMORE
September 9, 1963

The officers and members of the Safety First Club of Maryland have
been most courteous and most helpful to me since I have been Governor
of Maryland, and I should like to begin by expressing my deep gratitude
for these favors. That I was honored to have been invited to come
here today goes without saying. I enjoy the comradeship with each
of you very much. I appreciate the cooperation you have given to
me in my effort to promote traffic safety in our State.

Your executive vice-president, Maurice Shochatt, very graciously
offered me this time in the luncheon program to give my "views" on
traffic-safety problems. I welcome the opportunity, of course, but I think

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