What are your wishes for improving traffic? Readers share theirs: Roadshow
Q: My wish is for all light-controlled left turn pockets to cycle only when a car(s) is in them. If done statewide, a tremendous amount of car idling could be eliminated, keeping many pounds of carbon out of the atmosphere. For every gallon of gas burned, 20 pounds of carbon go into the atmosphere.
William Ortendahl, Santa Clara
A: I asked Roadshow readers at the end of 2022 what their driving and commuting wishes were for 2023. It’s high time to share the wishes that were sent.
Q: I wish that all drivers would use turn signals all the time! Perhaps if/when Elon Musk perfects his brain-to-machine interface, we’ll make it standard in all vehicles. Then as soon as you think about making a turn or lane change, your turn signal goes on.
Louis S.
A: And…
Q: All I ask is that all drivers remember this: Make sure brain is engaged before putting car in motion.
Daniel Chapman, Santa Clara
A: And…
Q: My wish is that the CHP would receive funding to hire a lot more patrol officers, who would then shut down drivers who race, speed, cut in and out between cars, race up to one’s bumper before swerving around and cutting one off, and solo drivers who cheat and use the carpool lane.
Carol Zink, Redwood City
A: Still more…
Q: First, that the DMV and auto insurance companies would establish a link to determine if a registered vehicle has the minimum auto insurance coverage. If not, a warning letter would go to the registered owner, giving them five working days to get coverage. If they didn’t, the DMV could put a boot on the car.
Second, that the DMV would notify insurance agencies when the registration for a vehicle has been expired more than 30 days, after which insurance agencies could increase the insurance premium for the vehicle.
Third, that police agencies, statewide, be allowed to view dash cam videos and issue tickets, without having to witness a violation.
Fourth, to save construction costs, instead of removing islands at existing intersections, a speed bump would be added to turn lanes.
Fifth, to stop “dive bombers” from trying to enter exit lanes, precast concrete bike lane dividers with plastic posts would be installed and, for the last 20 feet, highway barriers would be used. An example is the exit lane heading north on Lawrence Expressway for 237 east, just past the Elko Drive intersection. Additionally, a camera could be installed to take pictures of vehicles using the gap while crossing the intersection to get into the exit lane.
Bruce Beyer, Sunnyvale
A: Big wishes, all. Do you have driving or traffic wishes now?
Look for Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.