Traffic congestion causes driving hardships

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Christopher Black
  • 3rd Security Forces Squadron
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Elmendorf's commuters may have noticed two areas on base where traffic congestion obligates a greater measure of courtesy and cooperation between drivers. 

The first area is where Vandenberg and Arctic Warrior Drive merge from two lanes to one. 

During the morning hours, this stretch of roadway (between Boniface Gate and Arctic Warrior Drive) is one of the busiest on base. 

The second area of concern is the merging lane on Provider Drive heading toward the Joint Military Mall/Commissary. During the lunchtime and evening rush hours, this area is also extremely busy. 

When merging, it is the obligation of the driver attempting to change lanes to do so safely--racing from the traffic light to save 30 seconds on your commute is not worth an accident or injury. 

The process of merging two lanes into one should work like the teeth of a zipper coming together as drivers in each lane safely merge into a single lane. In accordance with the Alaska Driver's Manual, "safe passing is dependent on cooperation between drivers. Do not speed up when being passed." In short, if a driver in a vehicle signals their intent to change into your lane, you must allow them to do so. Speeding up or otherwise blocking the lane to prevent a lane change creates a risk of harm and is in definition negligent driving. 

In order to ensure your safety, the 3rd Security Forces Squadron is exploring possibilities to eliminate the bottleneck at Vandenberg and Arctic Warrior. We ask all drivers to remain patient and remind all that a safe commute is dependent on cooperation and courtesy between drivers. 

Please observe the posted traffic signs and the singled intent of other drivers. Additionally, Security Forces has chosen to increase their patrolling of the Vandenberg Avenue corridor during peak traffic hours and to aggressively enforce traffic laws. Please do your part to make the drive to and from work a safe and less frustrating experience for all of us. 

For more information or to report unsafe or aggressive drivers, call 552-3421.