The answers to the clues below will reveal a commonly-seen pattern:

1. Yosemite and Yellowstone officials
2. Financial strategy popular with seniors
3. Like Switzerland during World War II
4. Faster fast food convenience
5. Ubiquitous diet phrase

Answers:

1. Park rangers
2. Reverse mortgage
3. Neutral country
4. Drive-thru
5. Low calorie

Pattern:

P - Park
R - Reverse
N - Neutral
D - Drive
L - Low - the letters on an automatic transmission

Credit: LA Times Crossword
September 3, 2014
Ned White
GET IT IN GEAR (adapted)