Why do buses drive on the shoulder? Roadshow
Q: Over the past year or so, I have noticed a lot of drivers straddling the yellow lane between the No. 1 lane and the shoulder. My question is why? Just the other day, a large passenger bus was doing the same thing on Highway 101 for over 10 miles near Great America Parkway. Not only does this throw up rocks and other debris onto my car, it also increases the chances of a flat on the vehicle doing this due to debris on the shoulder. Is this illegal? If it isn’t, it should be.
Ed Woz, San Jose
A: It’s not legal, and Ed sent along a photo of the bus halfway onto the shoulder. Mr. Bus Driver and friends, cease and desist.
Q: I laughed when I read the letter about why people don’t stop at controlled right turns. It’s not that they have learned from free right turns. It’s a lack of any traffic enforcement.
If people see that most folks roll through a stop sign or right-turn red and nothing happens to them, they are more likely to roll through themselves. If they see or hear of someone getting a ticket, they are much less likely to do so.
We always hear that there are only six traffic enforcement police in San Jose. My question: where are those six cops?
Alayne Yellum, San Jose
A: The number has been cut more than half in recent years, and those six can also be put on special patrols. Oh, I long for the day when two or three dozen motorcycle cops roamed our streets.
Q: Friday night, June 14, I was on my way to pick up my niece at the airport when I had a flat tire on Los Gatos Boulevard. After several attempts to contact AAA, I finally talked with a real voice and arranged for assistance.
Feeling very frustrated, I stood by my crippled car waiting for help when two angels disguised as father and son pulled up and asked if they could help. They dug out the jack, etc. and mounted the spare. All the work was done cheerfully and efficiently. As I suspected would happen, they refused a gift offer of appreciation.
Thank you, Bruce and Ben.
Kate Brophy, Los Gatos
A: A Roadshow thanks to Bruce and Ben.
Q: John Kelly said he gives tailgaters the windshield washer fluid treatment, but as you pointed out that can endanger motorcyclists. I just vary my speed slightly up and down repeatedly and they very quickly back off.
Walt D’Ardenne, Cupertino
A: That’s a good strategy. Also, windshield wiper fluid can hit cars well behind the offending tailgater.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.