California gets Texas-style flashing yellow turn arrows

Q Much as I hate to hold up Texas as a good example, what I saw there recently was great for reducing unnecessary waiting at red lights. At intersections with left-turn arrows in San Antonio, there were signs that said something like, “Yield to Oncoming Traffic on Yellow Arrow.” — David Russel, Mountain View A You liked that, eh? Read on. Q All right, Mr. Roadshow. I would love some good news from you.

Back in 2014 you ran a column on flashing yellow turn signals. Being new to California I have to say having a red turn arrow on 99 percent of turns is ridiculous and gets me riled up. So it was a great surprise and relief when we were in Petaluma and happened to see flashing yellow turn signals. The commute would kill me; otherwise maybe I would move there.

I’d love to see them in more cities. I recognize they are not an option on major intersections but I would say that at least 70 percent of intersections could use this safely. Not having them is about as stupid as Oregon saying it’s not safe for the general populace to operate a gas pump. Give us some credit and install the flashing yellow turn lights in more intersections. It will ease congestion and reduce idling cars.

So when are we going to get those flashing yellow turns showing up at a light near us?

— Tom S., San Jose A Slowly, they are coming. Pleasanton and Roseville are among other cities testing flashing yellow turn arrows and Fremont may as well. However, San Jose has no plans to join them. Be patient.

Like Mr. Roadshow’s Facebook page for more questions and answers about Bay Area roads, freeways and commuting. Q When I am driving Bay Area roads during a holiday, I see signs to report drunk drivers. How am I supposed to differentiate drunk drivers from “The Driving Dead” (the clueless idiotic people that think they can drive using their cellphones)? They drive exactly the same. Should I report them anyhow and drive the CHP nuts? — Russ Hills, San Jose A No, unless the cellphone nitwits are posing an immediate risk. Drunk drivers, speeders and heavy traffic will keep officers busy. Q Every other time I’ve written you I have complained and complained about drivers, traffic, signals and delays. Today it’s different.

A year ago I moved to the Sierras east of Jackson — and poof went the traffic headaches. Here people stop before turning right on a red light, go the speed limit, smile and let you merge in front of them, use their blinkers, wave at cops and other residents, and behave on the road.

It now takes me 20 minutes to drive 12 miles when it took me that long to travel three miles in Fremont.

So this is to inform you that I won’t be writing anymore, but I’ll continue to read about the mayhem in the Bay Area in your columns — and smile.

— Mike Cameron A Adios, ol’ pal. Follow Gary at Twitter. com/mrroadshow.