Best to flash headlights as an alert to other drivers

Q

A quick shoutout to the driver of an older Dodge minivan on Highway 17 on Thursday morning. He was flashing his headlights behind me, and I thought he wanted me to pull over so he could pass. I was going with traffic in the fast lane, and that didn’t make sense.

When I arrived at my office,

I realized I had a nearly completely flat right rear tire. Obviously he was trying to alert me. I want to thank him for his attempt. I regret I didn’t pick up on his signal.

Do you or your readers have any suggestions for alerting a driver to such a hazard? — Peter Gallagher, Campbell

A

I do, but first there’s more to your story

Q

After replacing the damaged tire with the spare, I took the flat to a shop. There was one other customer waiting who had seen me earlier on Interstate 880 and tried to alert me by blowing his horn. Same intent to warn me, but a different approach from the first guy. It makes me feel good that there are others out there willing to try to help out another motorist.

Lesson learned: Even if your tire pressure monitoring system has “cried wolf” on you several times, as mine has, don’t ignore it! — Peter Gallagher

A

It’s good to hear they were trying to help you. As a signal, honking can confuse other drivers and possibly lead some to road rage, unfortunately. Flashing your lights quickly and frequently usually works better.

Q

I’m Wayne Meyer’s sister. Wayne is the guy who met his future wife in a driver’s ed class in high school. You asked what kind of driver he is. I say he’s an aggressive driver but no accidents. He is almost 9 years older than I am. Once, when I was little and riding in the back seat of his car, I overheard him say he thought his rear end was going out. Every time I got in his car I rode in fear the back of his car would fall off with me in it.

— Christine Meyer Kingsland,

Milpitas

A Thanks for the chuckle.

Q

I remember being elated to see that 17/880 through Los Gatos was scheduled to be repaved this summer. ButweareinAugustandthereareno signs of work on this stretch. I assume the schedule has slipped, so do you

know what the current ETA is?

A

Fear not. Repairs are scheduled in September from Summit Road to at least Lark Avenue.

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