Motorist credits officer with preventing later accident

QI need to tell my story to Mr. Roadshow so here it goes: I got a speeding ticket on March 10, 2020. To the officer, thank you for saving my life.

— Sally Johnson, Concord

A I don’t hear that comment often, so you have my full attention. Press on.

Q I was going 70 mph on Kirker Pass Road near Pittsburg along with all the other scofflaws, when I got that ticket last year. I thought I was unfairly singled out for a citation by a young woman cop with a radar gun. — Sally Johnson

A

And just a few days ago …

Q

Fast forward to about a week ago, May 24 at about 5:40 p.m. I was again on Kirker Pass Road, in the fast lane going about 60, in tight formation, right in line with all the other traffic.

That’s when I had a brain flash and remembered that ticket. I immediately slowed to 50 mph.

— Sally Johnson AAnd then …

Q

At that same instant, the car in front of me suddenly came to a screeching halt, and I hit the brakes on my Prius, flat to the floor, as fast and firmly as I could. I was a cat whisker’s width away from a crash as two cars in front of me swerved into the slow lane to avoid a collision with a full-sized sofa, plopped in the middle of the fast lane. Whew!

— Sally Johnson

AWhew indeed.

Q I’m still thanking me the the ticket, officer which who gave I deserved. I wasn’t very nice to her for reminding me to slow down, but she probably saved my life, and perhaps the lives of others. — Sally Johnson

A

Sally, I am so glad you slowed down and avoided a potentially very dangerous crash.

The officer was just doing her job and while I hope there is not a next time you are pulled over for speeding, if there is, be civil to the officer. Q I am an old lady over 75 years old. My driver’s license expires in September, but since we are still in the COVID-19 emergency, I am very reluctant to visit a DMV office. Am I allowed to renew online? — Rita Weis, Sunnyvale

A

Yes. Gov. Gavin Newsom temporarily waived the California law requiring drivers age 70 and older to visit a DMV field office to renew their license, a change that may last for the length of California’s state of emergency. Most seniors 70 and older can renew their license online, even if their notice indicates they may need to visit a DMV office. Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat at noon today at www.mercurynews. com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/ mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.