Is extending bulb life enough reason to turn off blinker?

Q As far as using one's turn signal at a dedicated left-turn lane with its own signal, I use my signal before entering that turn lane and then turn it off while waiting for a green leftturn arrow.

The reasons are because I don't like hearing the blinking and I'm trying to save the bulb so that it doesn't have to be replaced. I hope that I don't get cited for not having it on in a dedicated lane with its own light.

— Marcia Citta, Saratoga

A A few others do this as well.

Q Having lived, and driven, in both Tanzania and Switzerland, I'm stunned at American drivers who don't use turn signals. You'd NEVER find a Europeantrained driver not using his signals. Even in Tanzania, people use either blinkers or hand signals all the time.

As a cyclist, I always use signals. I've got four of them:

Right turn

Left turn Stopping

$&#(@*&$

The last one I don't use very often! I try to remain polite. Thanks for a great column.

— Jim Thurber

A And …

Q Why do people feel that using blinkers is such a great effort? I remember back in the day when one had to wind down the window, stick out an arm and give one of three different signals.

— R. Gayle Smalley

A Signaling can make a big difference with safety, and it's so easy to do.

Q Here's something your readers might want to be aware of. I purchased $50 personalized plates in early May. The website said it takes four-six weeks.

When I contacted the DMV, the agent advised me that it's taking sixnine months to process. I was told I could cancel my order, but the DMV will not refund the money. It seems like consumer fraud to me.

Thanks for letting me vent. — Stan Clarke

A That is a long wait. Hopefully, you get yours sooner than six-nine months.

Q After the redesign of the intersection of Highway 101 and Trimble Road (hopefully sometime yet in my lifetime), will the San Jose International Airport be able to lengthen its runways to finally allow Boeing 747 jets to fly into and out of the airport? — Jim Melin

A There are no plans to lengthen the runways.

Q Is it still illegal for trucks carrying gasoline and other flammable content to drive through the Caldecott Tunnel outside of 3 to 5 a.m.? This was put into effect after the tragic tunnel fire of 1982, which killed seven people. — Rosalie Howarth, Walnut Creek

A Trucks carrying flammable materials are only permitted in Caldecott Tunnel's bore No. 1 eastbound and bore No. 44 westbound from 3 to 5 a.m. See California Vehicle Code Section 31301.