Rubber Tires a Hazard

With every technological advancement, there are risks to take and adjustments to make.

Waco Times-Herald
August 27, 1898

THE RUBBER TIRES

Pedestrians Complain of the Noiseless Vehicles Now in Use in Waco

The Times-Herald has been asked the question, "Do the city ordinances provide for lights on vehicles when not employed for public hire?"

The answer to this is readily given. The ordinance provides only for a light or lights on vehicles which are used for public hire and for the transportation of persons for a fee. The question has been called up by the rubber tires which are in use in this city.

Waco is in the lead of all cities in Texas when it comes to up-to-date things, and the rubber tired vehicle is the latest. The livery stables own them, and so do many citizens of the town. The vehicle makes little or no noise, and when an accumulation of mud on the hoofs of a horse causes the animal to step so lightly that his approach is not heard, citizens complain that there is danger to pedestrians.

A few nights since a gentleman was slightly injured by a collision with a vehicle which had a rubber tire and could not be heard. The suggestion has been made that the city council provide for lights on vehicles of this character.

It is a question of law whether a regulation of this kind could be enforced. After September 15, however, the street lights will burn all night, and on every night, and possibly the danger will in this way be reduced.