Brake screeching, flashing lights lead to road rage
QI had an interesting freeway experience driving north on Interstate 680 through the Dublin area in the No. 3 lane doing 65-70 mph. A guy passed me in the No. 2 lane and abruptly pulled in front of me, causing me to hit the brakes. I flashed my lights showing my displeasure with his action.
He apparently did not like that, so he decides to nearly stop on this busy freeway, causing me to hit my brakes very hard, rubber peeling and brakes screeching. He then does it again like he’s playing a game. How cars in back of me avoided a collision is a miracle.
This jerk then flipped me off. I put my cellphone to my ear to call the CHP. When he saw that, he recklessly shot onto the Alcosta Boulevard exit to avoid any confrontation. This young punk could have killed someone.
Have you heard of other similar stories? — Bruce Wilkie, Danville
AUnfortunately, far too many. This is called brake screeching, a very stupid and dangerous stunt.
Now I need to give you a kick in the pants. Don’t do anything like flashing your lights or blasting your horn. Just slow down and be the calm, responsible driver.
QThe other morning I was cut off by a giant dark green bus, most probably carrying hightech workers. The bus didn’t signal, and I had to step on the brakes to avoid being pushed out of my lane on University Avenue in Palo Alto on the bridge over Highway 101.
I memorized the phone number next to “How’s my driving?” and the number identifying the bus. When I called the number after getting to work, I discovered it wasn’t a working number. What should I be looking for the next time this happens?
There was no company logo on the bus. There never is, and I can guess why. — Glenn Meyer, Union City
AOK, you handled this correctly. Call the local police, who may take a report and watch for the bus on another day. Don’t expect the cops will track down this bus driver, but they may keep an eye out for him.
QI have noticed many exit/entry ramps in Santa Cruz off Highway 17 have brand-new asphalt pullouts. Do you know what the purpose is? — Dave Jensen, Scotts Valley
ACaltrans is repaving the gore point at the ramps across the Bay Area. These are not pullout areas as some believe.
QQuestion on this Real ID thing: Can AAA handle that or DMV? — Jane Parks-McKay, Santa Cruz
AYou need to go to the DMV to get a Real ID. However, renewals can be made at AAA offices.