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***image1***As we were growing up, our parents would extol the virtues of living by the Golden Rule, “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.” This rule makes sense to children because it seems like the right thing to do. That’s true, but when it comes to handling ourselves in traffic, there’s yet another reason to live by the Golden Rule … everybody wins and the entire system works better.
This applies to pedestrians and drivers.
The best example on Ramstein is at Lincoln Boulevard, which is carrying more traffic these days – especially the section of Lincoln that is between Kisling Memorial Drive and the Ramstein Officers’ Club, across from the base exchange parking lot. Unfortunately, due to its narrow width and several crosswalks and road intersections, one inattentive pedestrian or driver can bring Lincoln to a halt … hence, the Golden Rule.
If everyone is aware of the problem on Lincoln, and thinks about what they can do or not do to help, then the impact on dozens of other people will be significant.
Here are some examples of small things that people can do to help the congestion:
1. Pedestrians – Please wait to cross Lincoln to and from the base exchange parking lot. Wait for a natural break in traffic caused by the stop-lights. This prevents a single pedestrian from backing up traffic to the intersection. Also, consolidate into larger groups of pedestrians before crossing.
2. Drivers – When driving north (toward the officers’ club) and traffic is heavy, avoid left turns into the base exchange parking lot or onto New York Avenue. A single car waiting to turn left will stop traffic behind them since there is no room for a left turn lane. But if someone is trying to turn across traffic and you’re driving in the opposite direction, let them in.
3. Use alternate routes to avoid Lincoln. Sure, it’s the most direct route, but have you considered that the base exchange, officers’ club and the gas station can all be reached via alternate roads? Also, consider carpooling.
4. Don’t make illegal left turns onto Kisling from Lincoln. Left turns were outlawed because it impacts traffic flow, but a surprising number of people still do it everyday, often during the rush hour. Many drivers cancel their left turn signals when they spot a security forces at the corner. I have to ask whether they are doing the right thing, even when no one’s looking.
All of us are aware of the traffic situation. Now let’s do the little things that will have a huge impact on those around us – we’ll all win. Please Help!
