Commander’s Action Line: Leaving through Lancer Published July 31, 2009 By 72nd Air Base Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Q: Could you provide some clarification on the exit at the Lancer Gate? It seems like I see a near accident (or road rage) several times a week. There are two marked lanes that approach the gate, but cars have to merge because of the bollards. Should vehicles merge into a single lane prior to reaching the gate or should it be two lanes and then cars take turns going through the bollards? Every day the traffic pattern differs. Whatever the correct method is I think some signs should be placed on the road to prevent confusion or accidents. A: Thank you for your question on the merge area prior to exiting Lancer Gate. You have described the correct way to safely exit the gate. Any time there is a lane closure creating a merge area, traffic flow will be at its best when vehicles fill both lanes and "politely" alternate at the merge point, commonly known as the "zipper" process. However, as traffic volume increases, "stressed" drivers tend to merge into one lane ahead of the lane reduction to ensure that they are not "trapped" in a lane that ends before they can safely move over. We encourage drivers at Tinker AFB to practice defensive driving, and use patience and common courtesy at our gates so we can all get to and from our jobs safely.