Highway 17 is not an easy road to drive
QI am much more fearful of driving Highway 17 than Highway 4. You can actually see the road ahead of you on 4 instead of another curve on 17.
—Raj A.
AThe problems on Highway 4 are speeding and wild lane changes. The problems on Highway 17 are much more extensive and include many curves, road boulders clogging up the fast lanes, slow-moving trucks, turns onto 17 from side roads, limited shoulders and drivers using cellphones.
Collisions on 17 have increased dramatically over the last several years. New data will be released next month and are likely to show a decrease in crashes so far during COVID-19. However, if data show that collisions remain high even with the reduced traffic in the past few months, that’s very worrisome.
QOut of concern for those of us who travel Highway
17 through the Santa Cruz Mountains daily, I worry more for those who don’t drive it daily, and travel it only once in a while, the reckless weekenders. The number of accidents and, sadly, fatalities on 17 have increased substantially over the last few years. I feel many of these accidents, and especially the fatalities, could be avoided with some much-needed improvements.
I understand that Caltrans has a plan to address some of the speeding and slippage issues on the highway. However, not expected until the spring of 2021! I worry that this is too little, too late. Imagine how many people will be injured and, God forbid, die between now and then because this couldn’t be fast-tracked sooner?
This road is a major artery between the coast and Silicon Valley. It is critical it remains open, operational and safe!
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I know driver safety is important to us all, and I trust that you will give our beloved Highway 17 your utmost attention. We are depending on it.
— Rod and Linda Fagan, Los Gatos
ANext year will be a big year for fixing problems on Highway 17 from Summit Road to Interstate 280. You’re right; it is a vital artery between the coast and Silicon Valley. A dangerous, vital artery.
QI am driving my vehicle on rare occasions. What happens to the quality of gasoline in the tank over a period of several months or more?
— Neilson Buchanan, Palo Alto.
AGas should be good for many weeks.