Interstate 5 dive bombers making traffic dangerous for all: Roadshow

Q: Here’s a question on driving etiquette on Interstate 5 in the Central Valley when there is a lot of traffic. The usual rule is that when you want to pass trucks that are in the slow lane, you use the fast lane. In light traffic, that works great.

However, when traffic is heavy, there are a lot of people in the fast lane trying to get past a caravan of trucks. Speeders then zoom up in the slow lane and cut into the line of traffic in the fast lane. This causes everyone to hit the brakes and slow down to make room for the jerk forcing his way in.

Are speeders in the slow lane not showing good driving etiquette by cutting in? If they are behaving poorly, what can be done to prevent such behavior?

I’m at a loss as to the best driver etiquette to follow and how to discourage speeders from cutting into the fast lane at the last minute.

Mike Pechulis, Sunnyvale

A: Speeders in the slow lane trying to force their way back into traffic are not showing good driving etiquette. You can’t control other drivers, though, so continue to do your part to drive safely.

Use the fast lane to pass trucks, and keep pace with traffic there. Cutting in front of trucks is especially dangerous. Truckers hate it.

Q: Can you explain how the DMV assigns registration renewal dates? Can dates be changed? I have three registrations all due in December. We are talking a lot of money. I don’t mind paying my fair share, but it would be nice to spread these over the entire year instead of having them all due at Christmas time.

Micheal Bernal, Morgan Hill

A: The renewal date is based on the date the vehicle was first operated in California. For new vehicles sold in California, this is usually the date of sale. Once established, the renewal date cannot be changed.

Q: I live near the Blossom Hill Road/Highway 101 overpass. They have been working on it for over a year, and were making good progress. About six months ago the construction crews disappeared and no work has been done on it since.

The overpass is a mess because of the uneven road. Do you know when it is scheduled for completion?

Mike Lynch, San Jose

A: This project is scheduled to be completed in September 2023.

For the last three months, crews have been working to complete the southbound Blossom Hill ramp loop which should be open to traffic by the end of this month.

Work on the foundation for the northbound overcrossing has been delayed due to weather.