Editor,

Along with the state Department of Transportation project to improve traffic flow in Oak Harbor, local drivers can also help alleviate congestion with an easy adjustment in their  driving habits.

When heading west on State Highway 20, passing Wendy’s restaurant, drivers approach the light at the intersection of Southwest Erie Street and Southwest Bayshore Drive, at the corner of Albertson’s shopping center, with the thought of courteously lining up in the left lane and leaving the right lane available to drivers making a right turn at the light.

During high peak traffic times, this results in a long backup of vehicles in the left lane while the right lane is free flowing.

The intent of that right lane is not as a turn-only lane, and drivers who use it properly as a through lane often get a scowl from a left-lane driver.

The way to alleviate frustration and to have traffic flow smoothly is to fill in left and right lanes equally before the traffic light and then courteously and carefully merge, one vehicle from left lane, one vehicle from right lane, after the light, as indicated by the road signs.

This is how those lanes are intended to be used.

This adherence to road rules will keep smiles on everyone’s face and provide a good feeling of cooperation.

Kathleen Sulak

Oak Harbor