would derive any particular satisfaction in contemplating it. Likewise,
in our interpretation of the statistics we should take into consideration
the very heavy increase in the number of automobiles which are operat-
ing and the number of miles they travel on our greatly improved highway
system. The situation appears less bleak—if only a little less—when
viewed in the light of these facts.
I deeply regret that I am unable to report that substantial progress has
been made in the reduction of accidental deaths and injuries in our
State. But the fact that conditions are bad is no justification whatsoever
for meekly folding our hands and exclaiming "what's the use. " We must
not relax in our efforts. Even if we feel that we can do no better than
hold our own, we must continue the battle. We must find a way to em-
ploy all the resources that are available to give the men, women and
children a greater security in their lives. We must accelerate our pro-
grams of engineering, education and enforcement, to the end that the
people may feel safer in their travel, in their homes and on their jobs.
As individuals, we must increase our awareness of what is really a grave
situation, and as individuals we must accept the responsibility we have
to find a remedy for it.
Although we depend to a great extent upon individuals and private
organizations, we in State government realize that primarily it is our
responsibility to initiate and carry out programs of safety. In the legis-
lative area, we have steered clear of extremist measures. But each year
we have tried to make improvements in our program of safety. In the
seven successive budgets which I have submitted, provision has been
made for substantial increases in the strength of the Maryland State
Police, which plays such an important role in highway safety. Allotments
to the Department of Motor Vehicles have been increased each year to
provide for a more effective regulation of the use of automobiles and
trucks. In the budget for next year, I approved additional appropria-
tions for the Department of Labor and Industry to intensify its safety
programs in the Port of Baltimore in elevator inspections and in its
assistance to private industry.
John R. Jewell, our Commissioner of Motor Vehicles has said that from
his observation more was accomplished in the area of traffic safety and
motor vehicle regulation during the 1965 session of the General Assembly
than any other session he could recall. I have signed into law, for
example, legislation which:
1. Establishes a system of motor vehicle inspection designed to re-
move old and unsafe motor vehicles from our highways and prevent the
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