Crashes increased when I-680 express lane opened
QWe’ve lived on the Interstate 680 corridor near Walnut Creek for 11 years. During the first 10½ years we could count on one hand the number of times we’ve gotten caught in traffic due to accidents during non- commute hours. Ever since the new express lane opened, we’ve encountered this situation at least 10 times. And it’s been open less than one year
We all know this is due to drivers weaving in and out of three lanes trying to get around trucks and road boulders. Before, drivers had the free use of the fourth lane during midday, but now express lane hours go from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. — BobWheeler, Walnut Creek A Others want to weigh in as well. Q I go north on 680 once or twice a week, never before 8:30 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Spoke to a neighbor who, unbidden, brought up the same subject. Is it only our imagination that this stretch has had an increase in ac- Q Do you know what’s up with all the accidents on Interstate 680 in the San Ramon Valley? Seems like there’s a pileup every other day. Or do I just notice them more because they’re in my neighborhood? — Joe Queirolo, Walnut Creek A Perhaps, but crashes did increase the first few weeks after the express lanes opened in October. Officials say this happens with an adjustment in roadway operations. Since then, the number of accidents has decreased and is returning to typical levels. They’ll continue to monitor accidents as data is needed over a long period to draw any conclusions. But here’s part of the problem. Q I had a chance to experience firsthand what is the probable cause of many wrecks on Interstate 680. I was commuting north from Danville on I- 680 in the new express lane when a high school female en- tered the freeway at El Cerro Boulevard, immediately crossed three lanes of traffic and pulled in front of me in the express lane while talking on her cellphone.
As a single occupant vehicle, she traveled up the express lane 2 miles until just shy of the next Flex tag toll station where, to avoid the fine, she dived back into the No. 3 lane, narrowly missing the car next to me, whose driver had to slam on his brakes.
As I pulled up next to her, she was still talking on her cellphone and mostly oblivious to her surroundings. — Bob Fish, Danville A An oblivious driver, a toll cheater and cellphone abuser. That is today’s trifecta. Ms. Teen Driver and others like you, behave better.
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