Should we fine California drivers $543 for doing this?
Q I agree the cellphoning motorcyclist on Interstate 80 deserves the Roadshow stupid-stunt award. He also deserves a reckless driving ticket along with anything else that can be thrown at him. But the stupidest cellphone stunt was when Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed the last try for an increase in the fine for driving while phoning or texting.
I read about DWP (driving while phoning) issues from authorities all over this country, but I hear no call for an increase in the minimal fine. Could it be because of the power of the wireless industries? Because of our ridiculous campaign finance laws they buy off the politicians? Because of the power of their advertising dollars they influence the media?
People are dying because of DWP. Traffic is worse because of DWP. The only solution is for the fines and punishment to increase. A few decades back mothers were fed up with drunk driving deaths. It’s time mothers come out against DWP! William Ortendahl Santa Clara
A Hey, I’ve been advocating higher fines for years. While laws have been tightened, a cellphone ticket in California costs just $162. That’s the typical penalty in the United States.
That is about what the fine used to be in British Columbia. No more. Our neighbors up north now assess a fine of $543 for first-time offenders and $1,431 for a second ticket. Police have focused on intersections, posing as window washers, construction workers and bicyclists to nab drivers.
Q Driving on Capitol Avenue between Montague Expressway and Hostetter Road in San Jose, I’ve noticed really large potholes in the middle lane. Some go really deep. Is there is a fix coming? Brian Barber San Jose
A This segment of Capitol has received lots of damage due to BART construction. But the city will soon dispatch crews for temporary repairs between Capitol Expressway and Trimble Road. And then in 2019 this area will be repaved.
Q Can you get an update on the Highway 101 work between University Avenue and Oregon Expressway in Palo Alto? When will it be finished and when will the auxiliary lanes be reopened? Doug Abbott Union City
A About this time next year.
Q I tried reporting a cigarette litterer to the city of San Jose, but the email address (stopvehiclelittering@sanjoseca.gov) bounced. Tried searching the city’s website, but they list only a phone number. I have a photo of the knucklehead’s truck that I would like to submit, but it’s hard to do that with only a phone number. Raymond Kawakami San Jose
A Bad news. The city ended the email hotline several years ago.
Q I have read a number of stories about the end of Botts’ Dots. I will miss them. My question has to do with the special blue reflector dots that indicate the location of fire hydrants. Will they also disappear? Dan Sokol San Jose
A No. The blue dots are here to stay.