Dear Mahatma: The Arkansas Department of Transportation has started installing reflective markers on both sides of the frontage roads on Interstate 30 between Bryant and Benton. Could you advise as to why? -- Southwest
Dear Southwestie: We are in the advising business. Actually, we are in the business of asking the question of others who know stuff. This particular stuff is known by David Nilles, who speaks eloquently for ArDot, which is an excellent acronym. Our absolute favorite acronym is below. Do not peek.
Nilles tells us that such reflectors have been installed downstream of each exit ramp coming off an interstate highway or other controlled access road. They are part of the Transportation Department's wrong-way crash abatement project.
Other improvements include pavement arrows, one-way signs and stop bars or yield bars at the end of exit ramps. Also there are signs that say Wrong Way and Do Not Enter that have been lowered and are easier to see. This is especially important for drivers who are intoxicated.
Speaking of which, and it did last week, the Arkansas State Police will have enhanced traffic patrols over this long holiday weekend. Driving drunk is a serious matter, often leading to arrest, injury or death. Indeed, 28 percent of traffic fatalities in the United States in 2016 involved drivers who were over the legal blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent. And we all know that plenty of people consider New Year's Eve a socially acceptable time to drink too much.
We implore those people -- don't. If you must, stay away from the steering wheel.
Now, the best acronym ever comes from the United States Army, which issues eyeglasses to its recruits. Those eyeglasses are better known as TEDs, or Tactical Eye Devices. So we're told, and who can doubt the veracity of the U.S. Army? Maybe the Navy.
Speaking again of New Year's, we are compelled to offer some personal driving resolutions, some of which have already been broken. Oh, the humanity.
No shouting "Move it, Grandpa!" at mature guys who pause too long at turn signals.
No making turns or switching lanes without using that thingee on the steering wheel known to some as a turn signal.
No driving continuously in the left lane of a multilane highway and holding up traffic. Yes, Virginia, there is a provision in the state driving code that prohibits this practice. And don't forget all those signs that tell slower traffic to keep right.
No driving in the rain or snow without turning on headlights. If windshield wipers are engaged, lights must be on. Daytime running lights do not count. The purpose of turning on lights is it allows other drivers to see you. Daytime running lights are on the front; taillights should be on, as well.
No using a turn lane on a city street as a passing lane.
We could go on, but won't.
Vanity plate seen on a Corvette in Fort Smith: TY GSUS.
Fjfellone@gmail.com
Metro on 12/30/2017