Time to get more creative to `educate clueless drivers'

Q More cops will help catch the 10% who blatantly violate the law, such as cellphones, speeding and carpool cheats, but there should also be a campaign to educate clueless drivers. They are the real hazards, such as road boulders, drivers who make unsafe lane changes, and people who lack defensive driving skills.

TV or internet ads could be created that are similar to ones we used to see, “Only you can prevent forest fires,” “Say no to drugs” and “This is your brain … this is your brain on drugs.”

Let's make “Help prevent road rage” commercials. Show two cars, one going 65 mph and another 80 mph, then show the math that a 10-mile trip will only save 1.5 minutes! Show the cost of a speeding ticket.

— Harold Kim, Fresno A Some of this is happening through California's Office of Traffic Safety. It would also help if OTS reports had greater visibility, showing the impact of poor driving behavior and decisions.

Hiring 1,000 new CHP officers over the next few years will also help.

Q

I don't have a FasTrak account, but have used the Uproad app for the few times I cross bridges or get into the increasing number of toll lanes (with all the taxes I pay, this really ticks me off). Fees are automatically paid through the app. Is this not going to work anymore? I really don't want to get FasTrak.

— Bill Taylor, Mountain View

A

You'll still be able to use this app, but it can come at a higher price. You risk getting a fine for not having a FasTrak account or using a transponder in express lanes.

Q

Perhaps I missed anyone suggesting that you register your car's license plate on the FasTrak website.

I have used FasTrak for many years. I registered all the cars and drivers in our family on their website. I have never had any problems, including when we've forgotten to bring our transponder along, but if you forget your transponder, you're not going to get any HOV discounts. Hope it helps!

— Scot Granger,

Fremont

A

Thanks for sharing your story.

Q

Is automated, camera speed enforcement in California prohibited by the vehicle code? San Jose and Campbell had to stop using their self-appointed systems when they hit a legal snag years ago. None of the tickets they issued were supported by the law, and the cities were subject to lawsuits. Unless the vehicle code has changed recently, photo radar enforcement is only permitted at red lights and railroad crossings, not for speed enforcement. — David Bartholomew, Gilroy

A

New legislation will be required for speed enforcement by camera to be legal.