Cracking open a window can prevent spread of virus in cars
QIs COVID-19 to be feared when driving in my car with family members? Or is my car a safe haven if I keep the windows up? — Fred WArner, Dublin
ASurprise, surprise. It can be a safe haven, but a Harvard study suggests opening car windows a mere 3 inches can significantly help keep COVID-19 from spreading in vehicles. Because modern cars can be airtight, if the COVID-19 virus is present, it has nowhere to go and is spread more easily to people inside the vehicle.
Asymptomatic people can spread the virus without anyone knowing they are ill, so opening a car window when traveling with others is prudent, whether you are in a personal vehicle or in a rideshare.
QLast month, while driving through an intersection in Foster City, I noticed a 40ishyear-old woman karate kicking a pole, attempting to activate the pedestrian button with her foot. Obviously, she didn’t care to use her finger for fear of contagion. Then three weeks ago, a teen girl wasted what I think was a kung fu kick to enable the “walk” signal, no doubt, to avoid disease. I yelled that her shoe was probably dirtier than her hand.
In each case, I think the health-conscious person could have used an elbow, paper towel or even toilet paper. Am I being a nitpicker? Have any readers witnessed this sport? — MArvin Berkson, Foster City
AYou are the first, but this is no surprise. Several cities have readjusted pedestrian signals, so people do not need to press the walk button as often. But some get frustrated and imitate Bruce Lee. It can help to carry a disinfectant wipe and use it before touching the walk button.
QAs my 8-year-old grandson would say, “LOL,” regarding San Jose’s ridiculous solution to traffic calming. Disabling pedestrian buttons and changing the timing of green lights have contributed to more dangerous driving. Certainly, downtown we see more motorcycles and cars speeding through intersections. — RoseAnnA LAviA, SAn Jose
ALess traffic, yet more reckless behavior. This is not good.
QThe Memorial Day weekend scene on Highway 9 and Skyline Boulevard highlights that the whole roadway is descending into chaos with speeding and racing. Why do authorities refuse to enforce the most basic of traffic laws? — JAmes Wilkerson
AThe CHP has begun a motorcycle safety campaign on Highway 1 and other mountain roads like Skyline through September. Last year, there were 111 injury crashes and five fatal crashes involving motorcycles along the Peninsula due to unsafe speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, improper turning, and other violations by both motorcyclists and other drivers.