Increase in fines for running red light would be deterrent

Q

At a recent party, our group discussed speeding and red light running drivers. I asked the group whether, if they knew the fine would be $1,000 or $2,000, it would changetheirdriving behavior. The answer was, “Of course.” We know what to do to curtail speeding and red light running. It’s time to act.

—BobKromer,Chico

A

Interesting way to research possible fine increases … in party conversation. Fines are already high, but I have no problem raising them further.

Q

I live in San Francisco and bike everywhere. It’s my main transportation. It’s faster than the bus and I don’t have to deal with parking. The pathetic bicyclist in San

Jose who was riding on the sidewalk and told the lady to walk in the street was lucky she didn’t come across me walking on the sidewalk. I frequently tell bicyclists to ride in the street. Five-year-old children ride their bike on the sidewalk. Adults ride their bikes in the street. If you are too afraid to

It’s legal for anadultto ride on the sidewalk in non-business areas in San Jose. In San Francisco, however, it’s illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk if you’re over 13. Know the rules in your city. And whatever you do or say, don’t hurl insults at each other.

Q

ride your bike or electric scooter in the street, then

don’t ride a bike or scooter.

— Paul Nisbett,

San Francisco A

I had to replace the windshield on my 2016 BMW X3 due to flying rocks from freeway construction. The replacement cost was more than $2,000. Unfortunately, I was not able to have the windshield repaired. It had to be replaced.

As luck would have it, a year later, the new windshield cracked again. Both incidents occurred on Highway 101 near SFO.

Given the cost of the windshield and the deductible for insurance, can I submit a claim against Caltrans for the damages incurred?

— Phillip De Rosa,

Burlingame

A

The odds are not in your favor. Caltrans receives 4,000 claims a year for road damages under $10,000. Only 1 in 10 are upheld. You can file a second claim.

According to AAA, the cost of poor roads in Los Angeles and the Bay Area is more than $1,000 per motorist per year for repair costs.

Q

I was wondering if you were on vacation. I noticed an absence of Mr. Roadshow in my newspaper on several recent mornings. I always enjoy reading the column and find it useful/amusing/insightful.

— Christine Khoury,

Belmont

A

And…

Q

Gary, Missed you today. Are you OK?

— Robert Whitehair, San Mateo

A

I’m doing better. I hadtomakearunto the ER after suffering a long gash in my calf. I’m on the mend now.