New highway markings are there for survey purposes
QI see blackand-white squares on Highway 17, Highway 1 (all the way down to Big Sur) and on Highway 9. Internet searches yield inconclusive results. The ubiquitous squares are
1½ feet by maybe 2 feet. What are they? … I doubt they are speed measuring (aviation) markers because they are on Highway 17 under treecovered sections of road. … Some of the squares are in the new pavement, some in old pavement in the center of the lane and a couple off to the side. — Rich D’Arcey, Mark Stovall and Tim Mihora
AIntroducing the mobile terrestrial laser scanners, markings to help survey crews dealing with bridges, pavements and major accident investigations. This enables crews and the CHP to remain off the road and out of danger.
The system produces precise data at or near highway speeds, enabling surveyors to collect many miles of roadway in a single day, and no lane closures are needed. It’s been used in more than 100 projects in the past several years across California.
QIn the last year or so I’ve noticed many drivers who stop at least a car’s length, sometimes two or three lengths, from the yield line at an intersection. I’ve searched the 2018 DMV driver’s manual thinking that there must be a change that suggested/required that stopping distance, but there isn’t. Do you have any idea what’s behind this change in so many drivers? I find it odd and a little annoying. — Carol Scholl
AThis ranks as a leading pet peeve. Some drivers are on cellphones and not paying attention. Others may be daydreaming. Some fear being hit from behind. There can be a cost to all this, messing up traffic signal coordination.
QDo you know what’s going on with the automated speed enforcement on Farm Hill Boulevard in Redwood City? Is it active? There are many signs but people don’t seem to be too eager to adhere to the speed laws. I just started commuting to the area and seem to be the only one trying to obey the speed, which can be awkward (tailgaters) and dangerous (road ragers). — Anissa E., San Jose
AThere are a number of warning signs in Redwood City to catch drivers’ attention and to encourage them to comply with the posted speed limit. As a popular commute route, Farm Hill Boulevard has a couple of signs that let people know radar is used for enforcement. All enforcement is done with handheld radar or by officers following speeders to document their speed, as automated speed enforcement is not allowed by state law.