Monster potholes result in monster repair bills
Q I read the story about the potholes on Highway 101. I had my car damaged in one of those potholes, and it cost me $5,400 to repair the car. Do you think I can file a claim, and where do I go for it?
Eduardo Benard A Ouch. Yes, file a claim with Caltrans. What do you have to lose? If you feel that you have lost money or property as a result of any action or inaction by Caltrans and your claim is for $10,000 or less, file your claim directly with Caltrans. No fee is required for claims that are $10,000 and under. Fill out form LD0274 (just Google “Caltrans claims” to find it).
This is the second-worst pothole story I’ve heard. Last spring a monster pothole on Interstate 580 in the East Bay ate Sherie Blake’s 2006 Acura, which had a mere 72,000 miles on it. Repairs would have cost $14,600 — or several hundred dollars more than the car was worth — and it was declared a total loss.
Q After reading the letter from Ruth McCreath in your Tuesday column — she was the 5-foot-tall driver who has trouble seeing over the dash — I would advise truly short drivers to sit on a pillow and not rely on just the seat itself, whether or not it goes up and down.
I’ve used a pillow for years and my back thanks me, as I sit more upright. The most uncomfortable car I’ve ever had was the Subaru Outback (a lovely car, however). No matter what combination of pillows I used, either to sit on or put behind my back, my toes would go numb after 50 miles. I think it’s because the back of the seat leaned back too far.
I sit on a cushion in my Prius, not only for my back, but because the seats are too hard. And as a passenger in my friend’s Jetta wagon, I find that seat very comfortable — soft enough, adjustable enough.
Michele Manning
Redwood City A And from another height-challenged driver …
Q Hey, Ruth, check out the Lexus ES300H, a hybrid sedan built by Toyota with memory seats that adapt automatically to two very different drivers: one is 6-foot-3, the other is 5-foot-3. The car reads the driver’s key fob to automatically adjust the driver’s seat and side mirrors. Visibility is excellent, and it makes changing drivers on a long trip a breeze.
When the driver releases the seat belt, the steering wheel retreats toward the dash and the seat glides back, so getting in and out of the car is comfortable for either driver.
Barbara Bowden
Palo Alto A Any other short drivers have advice for Ruth?
Q I’m a motorcyclist, and the most dangerous factors in my daily commute are … other motorcyclists. I will often be riding in the carpool lane on Highway 85 or 101 and have one, two or even three at a time swerve by me at high rates of speed without warning. I find myself checking my right-hand mirror more frequently in order to avoid being hit from behind by another biker. These riders give motorcyclists a bad reputation, and I’d just like to give another perspective to your readers.
Keith Newby
San Jose A I am certain your perspective will draw a reaction.