Pay attention behind the wheel Published April 20, 2009 By Pay attention behind the wheel SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Brakes squeal, a child screams and all is suddenly quiet in front of an elementary school. Fifteen minutes later, the driver is still trying to reason with the Security Forces Airman, "I didn't see him, he came out of nowhere!" to which the Airman replies, "Sorry ma'am, but he was in the cross-walk, which means he had the right of way ..." Although the account above is fictionalized, this scenario could very easily become reality if Sabers become complacent while driving in the Eifel. Every day we get in our cars and trust our driving habits to keep us out of trouble. This is something we cannot afford to do, especially when driving in a foreign country. German and American traffic laws differ in several ways. Here are some points to remember while driving: 1. Pedestrians in Germany always have the right-of-way. 2. Passing another vehicle is never allowed at a crosswalk -- period. 3. A blind person always has the right of way, no matter where they are on the road. They typically wear a yellow arm band, use a white cane or both. For more information, read U.S. Air Forces in Europe Pamphlet 36-206 or contact the 52nd Security Forces Squadron at 452-6666.