Readers say raise penalties for drivers distracted by cellphones

QI would say 90% of all drivers are on their phones, not just Prius drivers. There are many distracted drivers out there, not just teenage or young drivers, either. I fortunately will not be one of those distracted by a cellphone since I don’t own one. So someone guilty of talking on a handheld cellphone or texting while driving could see their insurance rates jump $290 a year for three years. That should get the attention of these distracted drivers. Raise the fines, please, to $500 or so. A $160 ticket is not enough. — Tim Suth, Donna Harris, Phil Brady and more.

AThe results of an insurance survey may surprise you. While the $290 rate increase is 10,000% higher than it was in 2011, insurance companies penalize drivers charged with a DUI with a rate hike of $1,086 on average. Other violations that receive harsh penalties from insurance companies include driving too slowly ($305), making an illegal turn ($332) or passing a school bus ($398).

Harsh? That’s not harsh at all for texting, yakking on a cellphone or checking email when behind the wheel.

But a bill working its way through Sacramento would add a point to a motorist’s driving record, which can lead to license suspensions or cause someone to face more expensive vehicle insurance rates.

If passed into law, Assembly Bill 47 would go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.

QHow difficult to say goodbye to your Prius. I know how you feel about it. I got my blue one in 2005 and now have 93,000 miles on it. I love it and it is so faithful.

It is probably my last car as I am 87 and may not be driving for much longer. Good luck in your search for another car to love. — Jennifer Harris, Portola Valley

AAnd good luck and happy motoring in your beloved Prius.

QCan something be done please at the new Starbucks at the corner of Hamilton Avenue

and Darryl Drive in Campbell? It’s making me furious. Every weekday about 9 a.m., I drive Darryl across Hamilton. The signal changes and I have the right of way to go up Darryl.

The other day I almost got stuck in the intersection because three SUVs had to get in line for Starbucks ahead of me, blocking traffic. This isn’t the first time this has happened.

Can the entrance to Starbucks be changed? At least the entrance to the drive-thru lane? Has anyone else had this problem? — Jan Williams, Campbell

AYes, others have complained about this, and the city and Starbucks are discussing possible changes to ease this problem. Stay tuned.