Trafficking Takedown: D.C. Leaves Big Apple in the Dust

January 14, 1929, was a day for celebration in the Nation’s Capital. After a month without a single traffic fatality, Washington, D.C.’s progressive system of traffic control was hailed as superior to its New York counterpart. E.P. Goodrich, a member of the American Engineering Council’s committee on street traffic sign signals and markings, led the investigation. In a scathing report, Goodrich revealed that Washington’s control of pedestrian traffic and the vogue of left turns in the middle lanes sped up through traffic, earning the city its top ranking among larger U.S. cities.

Goodrich’s survey, covering 35 states and 100 cities with a combined population of over 53 million, left no doubt that Washington’s system was the gold standard. ‘Washington has a physical advantage over New York City,’ Goodrich declared, comparing the two metropolises. ‘Our wide streets and efficient traffic control give us an edge in keeping pedestrians and drivers safe.’

While the results of the survey were a proud moment for D.C., they also served as a stark reminder of the dangers of inadequate traffic control. In a city where pedestrians and drivers coexisted in a delicate balance, the consequences of a breakdown in that balance could be disastrous. The January 14, 1929, report served as a call to action for cities everywhere, highlighting the importance of investing in effective traffic control systems.

As the Nation’s Capital continued to grow and thrive, the lessons learned from Goodrich’s survey would be invaluable in shaping the future of transportation in Washington, D.C. and beyond.