Q: I commute in early-morning hours. With the current rains, there HAS to be a way to ensure that we can see the lanes. Botts dots everywhere would be great. Or something reflective. Being unable to see where you are is incredibly stressful.
George Mathews, Antioch
A: Caltrans is replacing Botts dots with better striping. Visibility is a feature of the planned striping that is being tested statewide.
Q: I drove from Oakland to Milpitas in a huge downpour late Saturday. On Interstates 580 and 880, Botts dots were missing for up to 200 feet at a time. The road just seemed to disappear.
I heard that Botts dots are to be eliminated. Should I plan to get a bumper car in the near future?
Keith Scott, Milpitas
A: All new lanelines, edgelines, and centerlines will be 6 inches wide instead of 4 inches. When lines are refreshed during maintenance, they will be replaced with wider lines. An exception will be made for lines with reflectors on either side because wider lines will not fit without moving the reflectors.
This should increase lane line visibility. Wider shoulder lines have been shown to help reduce the rate of vehicles running off the road.
Q: Can you please provide information on dealing with pothole damage to cars? While traveling from San Ramon to Livermore on 580 east on Saturday night, my car hit a pothole. It was very dark and heavy rains had opened up a few potholes between First Street and Vasco Road.
Several cars were parked on the shoulder getting tires changed due to pothole damage. I got my car moved for repairs, but due to delays in parts shipments, it will sit in the shop for a week.
Zaheer Babul, San Ramon
A: You can file a pothole damage claim with the state, but not many are approved. You should also contact your insurance agent to see what they recommend to you.
Q: Could you please, please urge people to remember the law and, when their wipers are on, to also turn on their headlights? It’s not about whether you can see where you’re going, but about whether others can see you! Front “running lights” don’t cut it. You need to use the lights on both the front and back of your vehicle.
Even in the truly awful conditions last Saturday, people were driving 280 and other roads without lights.
If I can find the address, I’m going to urge Caltrans to add this to their highway-lighted signs/warnings/admonitions.
Chris MacIntosh, Redwood City
A: You were one of several people who made this plea following last Saturday’s storm. You are correct: if wipers are on, headlights must be on.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at [email protected].
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