Driving courtesy and etiquette helps Published Oct. 16, 2009 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Air Mobility Wing commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --- -- As a child, most of us are taught to look both ways before we cross the street, share with others, don't hit, be polite, and don't play in traffic. We learn that our behavior should be governed by rules and etiquette. Rules are laws, regulations, direction from superiors. Etiquette is a mix of adhering to the rules, conforming to the expectations of those around us, and just plain being polite. Being polite while we're driving is important because in many cases it can save lives and prevent accidents, not to mention making the daily business of getting to work more pleasant. My safety team will tell you there are fewer accidents on base than off base because most people on base are very polite. That politeness may come from the fear of getting in trouble if you cause an accident or a different set of cultural norms, but nonetheless, we are expected to be more polite drivers than those outside the gate. The commute to Scott AFB has changed over the years. There are more people and cars all trying to accomplish the same common goal - get to and from work. We are affected by the routes available, construction and the actions of those we commute with. The current construction on Air Mobility Drive and Seibert Road has been a recent topic of much discussion, and in particular, how to make it a smoother, easier driving route. Our security forces teams have been out during the morning commute in an effort to ease the congestion at that intersection and after a few days, it seems that things are running a more smoothly. I express thanks to our folks out there working the traffic flow and to you all who are staggering your commute times, working with alternate routes and just being patient. However, we are seeing some individuals who'd rather run the yellow and red lights to better their position by one or two cars. They block the intersection, which causes traffic to stop or slow considerably. They cut each other off which can lead to fender benders. Patience is stretched and the commute becomes a painful process. It doesn't have to be that way. Everyone should always follow the rules, but basic etiquette and prior planning will go a long ways toward reducing the frustration. When possible, leave earlier. Try entering the base through a different gate. Be patient and polite. On base traffic safety can be affected by different issues. The speeds are slower and there are more pedestrians. To help us do better on all fronts, here are some simple traffic rules and etiquette reminders for your safety and the safety of others. Pedestrians: - Don't step off the curb or into the street unless you are sure traffic can stop. - If there is a pedestrian activated crosswalk sign, activate the lights before attempting to cross. - Don't talk on your cell phone, text or read while crossing the street - be alert for traffic changes and be prepared, a driver may not see you. Drivers: - Watch for pedestrians. - Don't tailgate. - Follow the rules at four-way stops - everyone must stop, the first to stop at the intersection is the first to go. If two cars arrive at the intersection at the same time, the one to the right has the right-of-way. -Multi-lane four-way stops work the same way. The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection is the first to go. Everyone at the intersection has an expectation when it's their turn, so don't "take" someone else's turn. - The parking lot speed limit is 10 miles per hour, in all parking lots. In some cases, traveling at less than 10 miles per hour is safer Everyone has a responsibility to drive safely, be polite and pay attention. If we dust off our traffic etiquette, our commute will be better, traffic flow on base will improve, and we will all be safer. Thanks for your support and patience as we weather the changes in our traffic flow and as we carry out our mission of Enabling Combat Power!