As anyone who lives in our area can attest to, the traffic problems this summer have been unprecedented. Last week the LIE was closed in the eastward direction between Great Neck and Manhasset and it took 40 minutes to make it from Community Drive to Shelter Rock Road. One member of a board of directors was half an hour late for a meeting in Roslyn because it had taken him 45 minutes on Northern Boulevard to come from Great Neck, usually a 10-minute drive. This morning, as we drove south on Searingtown Road between Northern Boulevard and the Expressway the cars heading north were at an apparent standstill for a mile. We all know that this is the time of year that the state and county and town do the necessary roadwork, but knowing it doesn't help much when you are stuck in traffic. Still, we must add another voice to those pleading for patience. Speeding down turning lanes and then cutting back in line does not endear you to your fellow drivers. It may be tempting to make a u-turn when you see a traffic jam ahead but it can be the cause of a serious accident. And making a phone call on your hand-held cell phone may inform someone why you're going to be late, but it's against the law. Patience is not a virtue for which Americans in general or New Yorkers in particular are noted, but we'd better try to develop it. And, hey, it's not snowing.

E.F.B.