Word: silva
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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...Silva, of the Harvard Bureau of Street Traffic Research, has developed experiments for testing driving ability which have been the subject of far-flung comment. The Associated Press, March of Time, news reels, and other publicity media have featured this important work, and Mr. Goodwin of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has volunteered to provide space for Dr. de Silva's apparatus. Persons who have been deprived of their operator's licenses and others interested are to be tested on machines which register the speed of their reactions, their excitability, power to steer a straight course, and various other...
...significance of Dr. de Silva's work is very great because of its future possibilities as an aid to safe driving. Installation of his apparatus in every driving test center in the country would simplify the problem of keeping incapable operators off the highways. As Dr. de Silva himself points out, the road tests now administered, usually consisting of a trip around one city block, are entirely inadequate, as no emergency is likely to arise. His experiments, on the other hand, endanger no one, as they are carried out in the safe confines of a laboratory. A system of point...
Aside from these general remarks, Dr. de Silva's most interesting observations were concerned with the system of tests of driving skill which he has invented and developed himself, and which has received a large amount of current publicity...
Braking reaction is measured by noting the interval between the flashing of a red light and the moment when the brake pedal in a model car, operated by the subject, is completely pushed down. "Contrary to the popular supposition", stated Dr. de Silva, "the braking time of the average person after taking a drink of gin is faster, not slower, than normally. Of course, the general efficiency of the driver is lowered, and his coordination is not so good, but in this one case the body reaction is speeded...
...present the testing machines are on exhibition at Hartford; Philadelphia, and New York, where Dr. de Silva is going today to attend a safety conference. But by next week the apparatus will be set up, and any students who wish to find out their efficiency at the wheel will be welcome...