Q Montana uses changeable information signs on the side of the road, and I think one of their displays is pretty effective. It says: “Year-to-date highway deaths: 138. Drive carefully!” Would Caltrans consider this? I know it could be a shock to see what a large number California will have, but it should make all of us drivers think.
Jim Scherer
San Jose
A That it would.
Q While traveling in Montana, we saw what we think is the most useful thing to put on those “Amber alert” signs: “Number of deaths on Montana highways this year.” Now that would be more meaningful than “don’t forget we’re still in a drought so save water,” etc.
Di Maggio
Fremont
A In California, there were 3,074 road-related deaths in 2014. Of course, we have far more drivers than Montana’s. But here’s some good news: California’s death rate of 7.3 per 100,000 people is among the lowest in the nation while Montana’s rate of 22.6 is the highest and more than twice the national rate.
Caltrans’ nearly 800 message boards are mostly dedicated to providing information for Amber alerts, safety-related messages and emergency notifications. One official says copying Montana’s idea has merit, but getting and keeping a timely and accurate number on traffic-related fatalities from all the different reporting agencies in a state as large as California would be an extreme challenge.
I have an idea. It doesn’t need to be current. Just list the number of deaths for the past year. What do you Roadshow readers think?
Q Why do counties like San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara all have 65 mph maximum speed limits while counties in the interior of California have 70 mph speed limits? What’s the big difference? People here are going to go over 65 anyway.
Ed White
A That they are. Urban counties are limited to 65 mph — and that includes I-280 along the Peninsula. But with less traffic and fewer interchanges, many counties in rural areas can go to 70 mph.
Q Lately there has been a proliferation of fruit stands on Highway 152 between Gilroy and Highway 156. These stands are causing a lot of traffic and unsafe merging onto 152. Who regulates and approves these fruit stands?
Richard Elliston
A Caltrans does because folks have to use the freeway shoulder to sell their fruit and customers park on this state right-of-way. There are no plans to close these popular stands.
Q I had a Dodge Dart station wagon and that was one dependable little gem! First new car my parents ever owned in 1964. I drove it all through high school, 15 years later. Good gas mileage, carried lots of friends, easily repaired. She was like a big Tinker Toy. So don’t disparage Dodge Darts. She would be around now if some twit hadn’t taken her out for a spin after forgetting to secure the battery. (I don’t want to talk about it. Too sad.)
Maureen Betita
A Sad is an understatement.
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