The hatched lane markings along a highway can mesmerize you as you travel long trips. Yet, while these familiar lane delineators subconsciously help motorists navigate safely in our travel lanes, we probably give them no further thought. Would you like to guess the length of one of these broken lines?
Two feet. That was the standard answer provided in multiple studies by psychologist Dennis Shaffer in the 1990s. He performed several different exams with over 400 college students at various institutions. The students guessed from looking at pictures in some tests, and others stood alongside roadways to offer their estimates. Additional examiners provided their predictions in moving vehicles. Regardless of the perspective, the average guess was two feet.
The correct answer is ten feet. That is the recommended standard from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for every street, highway, and rural road where dashed lines separate travel lanes or indicate where passing is allowed. Between the ten-foot markings is a recommended thirty-foot spacing. Isn’t it interesting how our perception is so far off from reality?
This Sunday, December 5, we invite you to pay greater attention to the road. In worship, we will hear the words of the prophet Isaiah asking us to “prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Additionally, we will sing the famous Advent hymn, “Prepare the Royal Highway.” So please stay in your travel lanes and drive to our church for either our 9:00 AM (half-hour spoken liturgy with Holy Communion) or 10:00 AM (traditional liturgy with Holy Communion) worship services as we prepare the way of the Lord.