Yes, really, those signs mean stop
Dear Mahatma: Can you tell me why the city places those red, eight-sided road signs in west Little Rock? It has something to do with traffic. Where do drivers go to find out what they are good for? — Ciao, Baby
Dear Ciao: Our copy of the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, page 14, identifies those as “stop signs.” Nowhere is this particular sign described as a “pause sign,” or a “nevermind” sign, or an “optional obedience” sign.
The Mahatma once asked the city traffic guys how many stop signs the city had. The answer was a laugh and “a bunch.”
For enforcement, call the city’s all-purpose services number, 311. Or call the Northwest Division of the Little Rock Police Department at 918-3500. Be careful, though, not to be hoisted on your own petard. In other words, stop at those signs, lest a patrolman nails you, which would be ironic. Or something.
Dear Mahatma: Since the most wonderful grandchildren on earth (mine) live a tad northeast of Dallas, I often find myself on Interstate 30 between Little Rock and Rockwall, Texas. About one trip out of three, somewhere between Little Rock and Texarkana on Interstate 30, a driver will come up rapidly behind me with flashers on as I am passing another vehicle. Do flashers allow drivers to drive at extreme rates of speed? — Confused Granny
Dear Granny: Short answer is no. Long answer comes from Trooper Elizabeth Chapman of the Arkansas State Police, who points to Arkansas Code Annotated 27-36-208, “Special restrictions on lamps.”
Quoth the statute: “Flashing lights are prohibited except on an authorized emergency vehicle, school bus, or on any vehicle as a means of indicating a right or left turn, or the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing.”
In our opinion, the need to hit that rest stop on the Texas side of Texarkana as soon as possible does not constitute a traffic hazard requiring unusual care.
AAA, which tracks this sort of thing, reports that Texas does permit the use of hazard lights while driving. A perusal of all the states shows a variety of rules on this matter.
Good morning, Mahatma: Are there any plans to install streetlights at the new roundabout at Fair Park Boulevard and Zoo Drive? It’s very dark at night, and streetlights would help drivers negotiate their way more easily. I also wonder what is planned for the middle of the circle. A statue of some sort? — Brad
Dear Brad: Jennifer Godwin, who speaks for the city, said lights and a feature are planned for the roundabout. Lights are a few weeks away and haven’t been ordered yet, she said.
There is no timetable or information yet on what will go in the center, she said, but it will be safe and stunning.
Readers may send suggestions to The Mahatma, tongue-in-cheek preferred.
Vanity plate on a Pontiac Firebird: YUSOSLO.