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Show 'Semaphore-itis' Reigiis in S. L. MOST Salt Lakers suffer from "semaphore-itis." This dread disease settles upon those who do not understand un-derstand the fundamental purpose of a traffic semaphore. Instead In-stead of realizing that semaphores were established to REGULATE REGU-LATE traffic, these drivers assume that traffic lights were meant to OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC. "Semaphore-itis" is exhibited mainly in three forms: i (1) "Jackrabbits," who race from one semaphore to the next and then jam on their brakes when they realize they can't make it. (2) "Tortoises," who are dead at the switch when the light turns green, and then who meander slowly along, figuring figur-ing that they'll be stopped by the next semaphore anyway. This species of driver is the one who sees to it that only two or three cars get through any given intersection during the green light period. (3) "Straddlers," who situate their vehicle between the middle and right-hand lane, so that everyone else has to queue up behind him. This driver also jams up traffic by hogging both lanes. The disease is profoundly serious in its consequences, especially es-pecially during the busy morning and evening hours. It is not just the delays and lost time which ensue, but oftentimes there are drivers who take chances by trying to pass the "tortoises." Too many drivers are not willing to time their driving with the semaphores, and exercise the courtesy of taying in the correct lane. The only thing that will cure "semaphore-itis" is educa-cation, educa-cation, mixed with a little thoughtfulness and courtesy. We hope more drivers will cure themselves of their bad habits. |
