Sometimes Road Warrior readers just need a chance to vent about bad drivers, dangerous road conditions, road construction that moves at glacial speed and cops who don’t follow the rules. Here’s what is on their minds.
Don’t swerve on a curve
When did crossing the double yellow line and driving in the oncoming lane become so common? I live in Occidental and see the annual influx of bicycle riders preparing for the Gran Fondo and other bicycle races. I frequently encounter drivers who cross the double yellow line and drive in the oncoming lane on blind curves.
There are no shoulders on these narrow curvy back roads so you just have to hug the edge of the roadway and hope you don’t get hit. One would think common sense would prevent any driver from driving in the oncoming lane when you cannot see if a car is approaching. Doh!
This also happens on Occidental Road between Hwy 116 and Irwin Lane. Drivers swerve around the mail delivery truck into the oncoming lane, barely avoiding a head-on crash. C’mon folks, if there is a bicyclist or vehicle obstructing your lane, you slow down, stop if you have to, until the oncoming lane is clear. I’ve been in a head-on crash and still feel the effects 20 years later. — Carey
A merge from hell
Why do some motorists have such a hard time letting cars coming onto the freeway merge into the traffic flow? This morning I was coming onto the freeway southbound 101 at Petaluma Blvd. South at approximately. 7:45 a.m. There was a steady flow of traffic and as I eased my way on I looked into my rear view mirror. A black Nissan Sentra sedan was riding my bumper. The woman driver was infuriated. I felt in danger of being hit, but I had nowhere to go. What is the problem with these drivers? — Christine
Working at glacial speed
The new on-ramp from Washington to 101 N in Petaluma has been untouched for about a month. The center-lane work on 116W at Madrone in Cotati has been similarly suspended, although it looks like only striping remains to be done. Why is this? By contrast, the Stony Point washout repair south of 116 was finished very well. I wish there was a Like button for that contractor! — Chris
Cops have turn signals, too
Hi, I was wondering if there is some sort of law/ordinance which precludes police officers from having to use their turn signals. I think if you polled your readers you wouldn’t find one single person who has EVER seen police use turn signals, whether they’re local city cops, sheriffs, or CHP.
Just like “normal” drivers, the turn signals aren’t to inform YOU that YOU’RE turning – they’re to inform EVERYONE ELSE!! It would be nice to know to law on this. (Same will cell phones. I understand they can use them in regards to police matters, but the amount of time I see police officers driving, laughing, etc, with a phone stuck to their heads sort of makes it impossible that those calls are “official business”!!) -S
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