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Community Corner

Gridlockers

You're driving on Elm Street towards South Street and are stopped at the red light. You see the "Walk" sign on either side counting down the seconds to a red light. Just as the light changes three or four cars proceed from the left on South Street right through the red light into the intersection- effectively blocking anyone with the right-of-way from proceeding through the green traffic light. They sit there avoiding eye contact while feigning ignorance. This happens at South and James Street where you must allow at least three cars  through the red traffic light before you even think of moving into the intersection on your green light. And at Court Street and Washington Street. And at Atno...and all over town actually. Why? When did we become like NYC or Newark or whatever other town where self-importance and entitlement supersedes the traffic laws and controls in place for our safety and efficiency. I'm not a hypocrite by any means. I've sped, I've squeaked through a late yellow light, I've rolled through a stop-sign or two in my time. I took my points and paid my fines and hopefully learned from those instances. But what I see happening in our town recently has me stumped. It's as if none of these drivers has any concern for enforcement or fines or deterrents. Scary time to be a pedestrian.

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