Sometimes newer cars get unwarranted criticisms

QI love your column and have read it most days since you began your Mr. Roadshow gig. Thank you for doing this with such constancy and lightness.

I am a 75-yearold Tesla owner and driver. I bought my Tesla Model 3 on my husband’s birthday over seven months ago, and we both love it more than non-Tesla people seem to be able to understand. It is a delight to drive, extremely safe, and certainly helps me out more than my previous car. One of the reasons I bought it was your statement that older people would benefit by driving newer cars, with the newer safety features. Thank you for your wise suggestion.

Your column last week included a letter from a motorcyclist who threw out a Tesla bash, in my opinion. He was writing about lane-splitting, in particular. As I read it, he stated in essence that Teslas are a danger to motorcyclists, and are on a par with people texting and with generally distracted drivers.

In your answer to him, you wrote that he raised many valid points and

A

I may have been a tad unfair about Teslas in letting that part of the comment through. … Maybe the Tesla will replace the Prius in Roadshow’s heart. Time will tell. When you have a car like the Tesla, and like the Prius when it was new, drivers sometimes take unnecessary criticism. did not dispute any of them. Why are you perceiving Teslas as a danger?

— Barbara Bowers, Los Altos Hills

Q

Who is responsible for ensuring that highway signage is safe and effective?

We frequently drive north on Interstate 680 to exit at Rudgear Road after dark. We’ve noticed that the exit signs for Livorna and Rudgear roads are almost invisible. Whether it is due to lightbulbs that have burned out or accumulated soot or both, we don’t know, but it is so bad that it needs to be addressed.

The signage on Bay Area freeways is confusing even when it is visible, and when it is hidden, it is even worse.

— Brian Handly A This is a Caltrans responsibility. I passed your complaint on to the state and hopefully they will address this. Q I’ll keep this short and sweet. I was recently the victim of a nasty hit-and-run on my bicycle and now want to send a friendly public service reminder to all motorists and cyclists out there.

Motorists, please give cyclists the 3 feet of space required under California law (see California Vehicle Code and the “Three Feet for Safety Act”). It just might save someone’s life.

Cyclists, wear your helmet. It might save your life. I am fairly confident it saved mine.

— Nathan Greig,

Belmont A I hope many others heed your advice. Yes, this can definitely save lives.