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Road Warrior

Trying to make sense out of getting around

Mailbag: Missing lane markings on Pepper Road; Highway 101 work in Novato

Friday, at 9:01 by

Here’s a question from a reader: Take a drive down Pepper Road.  The markings have almost disappeared.  It’s flat out dangerous now at night, and in a storm it’s horrible.  I’m seeing that the roads aren’t being re-striped regularly now.  101 is a mess even after the construction.  I wish they’d at least re-stripe the lanes there as well.  With the uneven pavement, it’s really hard to tell if you’re in your lane.  Russ The answer on Pepper Road comes… Read More »

Sound off: Readers’ gripes, comments

Friday, at 9:00 by

Today we launch an occasional feature in which we compile emails from readers venting on road and traffic concerns: ———— Solid white lines It constantly amazes and baffles me, at just how many drivers missed the rule about crossing a solid line.  Solid white lines are between lanes of traffic that indicate you should stay in your lane unless a special situation requires you to change lanes, this includes exiting and entering the freeway. Lynda Crosswalks in Petaluma I was… Read More »

Petaluma police emphasizing pedestrian, bicycle safety today

Friday, at 12:16 by

                    If you’re walking, riding a bicycle or driving in Petaluma today, it would be a good idea to especially obey traffic laws regarding bicyclists and pedestrians. Seven Petaluma officers are spending the day focusing on bicyclist and pedestrian safety. (And, yes, they’ll respond to other calls too if needed.) In a brief ride-along this morning with Officer Bert Walker and in talking to other officers, it was clear what they’re… Read More »

Petaluma crackdown Friday on bicyclists, pedestrians

Thursday, at 4:18 by

Petaluma police on Friday will be on the lookout for bicyclists and pedestrians who don’t pay attention to traffic laws. Funded through a grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety, the special enforcement will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with traffic officers roaming throughout the city. In 2009, the year for which the latest data is available, OTS’s ranking of cities by bicycle collisions put Petaluma at No. 8 out of 104 other cities with similar populations and… Read More »

Petaluma collisions up — first time in 5 years / See graphics

Thursday, at 2:22 by

The number of traffic collisions in Petaluma jumped last year but they’re still the second lowest in 25 years, according to the Police Department’s annual traffic safety report. Other quick highlights: –The top reason for collisions: Unsafe speed. –May was the worst month for collisions. –Fridays had the highest number among the days of the week. –The 3 p.m. hour was the most dangerous for collisions. –East Washington Street at Lakeville Street was Petaluma’s most collision-prone intersection. A total of… Read More »

Extra attention on intersections Tuesday by SRPD

Tuesday, at 10:32 by

As part of a year-long, extra traffic enforcement program, Santa Rosa police will be focusing on specific problems. Tuesday, it’s intersections. A team of officers will be moving about the city, specifically looking for right-of-way violations by drivers, such as running red lights and California stops, but they’ll hand out tickets for other violations that they come across, such as hand-held cellphone users. The enforcement program is funded through the state Office of Traffic Safety. ————— Follow the Road Warrior… Read More »

Mailbag: Can cars turn right from bike lanes?

Friday, at 8:11 by

Here’s a question from a reader: Could you please explain the rules regarding the “Bike Lane” and turning right? I will see cars driving in the bike lane for half a block to turn right. Hoen Avenue at Yulupa is a good example. I have almost been hit turning right when I get to the dotted white line in the bike path because another car is using the bike lane as a right-turn lane? Is the “One Finger Salute” justified or am… Read More »

SW Santa Rosa intersection targeted by traffic officers

Friday, at 8:06 by

Santa Rosa motorcycle police officers this coming week will monitor one of the city’s second most dangerous intersection — Dutton Avenue at Sebastopol Road, which last year was tied with 13 collisions. As part of a weekly, Monday through Sunday, special enforcement program, officers particularly will be looking for drivers not wearing seat belts, who are illegally using cellphones, are speeding, running red lights or committing lane violations. To read about the city’s other top intersections for collisions, CLICK HERE.… Read More »

Mailbag: Can CHP sit, wait in the dark along 101?

Friday, at 5:54 by

Here’s a question from a Road Warrior reader: I have a question about the California Highway Patrol. I drive at night on southbound 101 from Santa Rosa to Novato and I’m curious about the rules for CHP sitting in the dark on the side of the road with no visible lights on. Sometimes the CHP car seems to be hiding behind a portion of K-rail about a quarter of a mile before the Pepper Road on ramp to 101 south… Read More »

DUI/license checkpoint Friday night in Santa Rosa

Thursday, at 8:39 by

Santa Rosa police plan a DUI/license checkpoint Friday night. The location isn’t being disclosed by police, but it will be 6 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting. Police Sgt. Lance Badger said in a statement that checkpoints are a proven tool in reducing the number of people killed and injured in alcohol-involved crashes. He said such crashes drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough. He said DUI crashes take their toll on the community.… Read More »