Don’t Let the Cripples Drive, 1913

Every Sunday the San Francisco Chronicle runs a column called the Wayback Machine in the Pink Section. The editor, Johnny Miller, goes through the Chronicle’s archives from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago. He finds interesting stories, most of which we haven’t heard or have forgotten. I enjoy his 21st Century perspective on 20th Century events. On January 27, 2013 he found the following from 1913:

Jan. 30: Because the husband of Mrs. Henry Anderson was run over by an automobile driven by a cripple, she has been instrumental in having a bill introduced at this session in Sacramento prohibiting any one not physically sound and in possession of all his senses from driving a machine on the public highway. In order to cover any possible defect, the bill provides that a blind person cannot drive a machine. According to its provisions no person who is a cripple in any way, cannot hear or see, is to be allowed to handle an automobile in this State.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Dumping-off-Alcatraz-infuriates-many-4221238.php#ixzz2K32rj68S