Driving skills and CHP staffing make highways dangerous

QI was driving north on Highway 101 near Holly Street last Thursday in stop-and-go traffic. A motorcycle cruised by going around 30 mph.

A couple of hundred yards ahead, a Tesla changed lanes right in front of him, the motorcyclist crashed into the side of the car and flew over the hood. By the time I got up next to them, he was standing up, looked OK, as he was wearing heavy-duty body protection/helmet. I called 911 immediately anyway. California needs to outlaw lane splitting. And drivers, when you look to change lanes, it’s not enough to check your blind spot and lane next to you.

You need to look 50 yards back down the edge of the lane as well, at least when switching between far left lanes.

— Wayne Fenton,

Sunnyvale

AGood advice, but based on your description, the Tesla driver was to blame. Studies show that lane splitting at speeds under 45-50 mph reduces crashes. So go slow, use your blinkers, and wear the proper gear.

QI have driven Highway 17 since 1970 when I turned 16. But I have noticed that vehicle speeds increase as more improvements are made.

There are more than 60,000 drivers per day on 17.

How many CHP are required to patrol? Maybe two or three?

Drivers are smart and know that with the many turns on 17, your chances of being seen and pulled over are close to zero.

It’s a game. CHP, in general, is not effective at all in dealing with bad drivers. Not enough of them.

They can only react to collisions or stranded drivers.

Seems like everyone except me is on their cellphone while driving.

Caltrans does a great job with signage and safety.

Still, drivers go faster than any posted signs.

I see no solution to the collision and speed problem unless the speed is lowered and enforced.

But it’s never going to happen.

— Dave Gladding, Felton

AYou are depressing me. The CHP assigns two officers on 17 and hits the overtime to get more troopers out there.

QI sympathize with writers upset with the way many people drive.

I, too, have noticed drivers who appear to assume it’s normal to jet across lanes or zoom into spaces that leave inches and not car lengths between.

It’s a simple theory: Watch the age and often the gender of the drivers.

They’re mostly young men who, I suspect, learned basic driving skills playing video games long before they ever turned on the ignition. — Nancy Fomenko, San Jose

AYou really believe that?