Persistence of Learned Behaviour Following Extinction of Reinforcement Cues

So, on 10th Avenue, just south of the dip (or the mound, if you are a true original Port Albernian) Dunbar crosses 10th.  Dunbar crosses 10th at a slight angle, but there really isn't anything impairing anyone's vision as they approach the intersection.  Up until about a month ago, there were two left turn lanes for those at the intersection, for those who were turning left, either east or west, on to Dunbar.

The intersection of 10th and Dunbar is one of the proofs that Port Alberni drivers are the worst drivers in the entire world, and possibly an explanation of why.  Yes, the intersection is on a bit of a hill.  Yes, the intersection of the streets is not exactly perpendicular.  But, as noted, there is pretty much nothing to distract you, and no obstructions of the sight lines around the intersection.  And yet drivers keep killing people at 10th and Dunbar.

So, about a month ago, they took out the left turn lanes, and built a median barricade down the middle of the street, in order to prevent people from turning left onto Dunbar from 10th, in either direction.

As I mentioned, previously there were left turn Lanes at the intersection.  So, if you weren't turning at the intersection, but continuing straight on 10th Avenue, in either direction, you had to swing to the right as you drove through the intersection.  But, as mentioned, now they have taken away the left turn lanes, and so you no longer need to swing to the right as you go through the intersection.

But, of course, the reason that Port Alberni drivers are the worst drivers in the entire world is that they pay absolutely no attention to the situation around them.  Including the road, and any huge changes in traffic patterns that may have been built, and signposted.  So, as I was driving up 10th a few days ago, I noticed that a car, ahead of me, as it drove through the intersection at 10th and Dunbar, swung out to the right.  Even though the road was completely clear, and there is no longer any reason to.

I suppose it's no wonder that Port Alberni drivers don't pay any attention to the road, or the cars, or to people on the road, or to any other aspect of the situation around them when they are driving.  Port Alberni drivers don't seem to drive by visual cues, but by muscle memory.