Poorly flowing or congested traffic is a real pain – it delays travel – contributes to air pollution – helps cause accidents with resulting pain and suffering/property damage – and other nasties. Not good stuff.

Poor driving habits – inching up to next car’s bumper including blocking intersections–jumping out of lanes – all in an attempt to save an extra 30 seconds. In fact, poor driving habits causes everyone to lose minutes or hours. Just plain silly when you think about it.

Failure to Yield – how many times have you been sitting at an intersection with 2-3 cars refusing to yield to someone turning – with or without a green light. DUH. So each of the cars just sits there waiting and burning gas/diesel – while more cars behind them also back up burning more gas/diesel. Sometimes a few drivers poor habits can cause ‘daisy chains’ of congestion that goes on for blocks.

Pedestrians – crossing against traffic lights – walking out in the middle of a street often causes cars to suddenly stop (hopefully). And then the cars behind that one also abruptly slow down – and the daisy chain of congestion and pollution starts all over again – one jay-walker at a time

If you’re a pedestrian, cross at corners and with green lights. Use crossovers. A few extra steps can help save every one’s lungs and injury. If you’re a driver, be thoughtful and courteous. Give way – if all drivers gave up their hoped-for savings of a few seconds at a turning corner – every one might save hours of time each week. It’s a good reward for being pleasant.

And the City is starting to get more involved in helping. That’s good.