Why ‘Watch out for pedestrians’ warning signs on freeway have merit: Roadshow

Q: Caltrans has an electronic message sign on Highway 85. A few weeks ago, it read, “Watch out for pedestrians.” The only time I’ve seen a pedestrian on any highway was when they were next to their disabled car and were smart enough not to run onto the highway for help.

Why don’t they put something practical on those signs like, “Pull off the highway if involved in an accident,” or “Slow down and save gas/money”?

Ed King, Sunnyvale

A: Last week a man in his 30s was driving a 2007 Honda Accord southbound on Interstate 280 north of Black Mountain Road when he was involved in a solo vehicle crash. The Honda came to a rest in the center median. The man tried running across the freeway but was hit by a car and killed. Unfortunately, this is a frequent occurrence, where people think they can somehow run or walk across the freeway safely. That’s why the “Watch out for pedestrians” sign is appropriate, I think.

Q: In response to the person crying about abandoning his car and expecting AAA to pick it up without him present, AAA clearly indicates that he must be present when he calls for roadside assistance, and when AAA assistance arrives. Why, you ask?

Ray-the-Tow-Truck-Dude

A: Please tell us.

Q: First, how do I know that it is the vehicle I am there for, even if it is the only car parked on the shoulder? I may tow a vehicle matching his description, but it may not be his. Yes, this has happened before.

How do I know I am not stealing a car for someone? This has also happened quite a few times.

Many times our drivers have been unjustly accused of stealing things from cars, or doing damage to a vehicle that was done by someone else. If the owner is there, we can point out previous damage, and they will see for themselves that I didn’t steal the Tiffany egg stashed in the center console.

When inside a car, one is well-protected from most incidents. Most people do not pay attention to traffic while standing on the shoulder, and may even step into lanes of traffic. Just stay in your car with your seatbelts on, and wait. I frequently get to a scene where no one is present, and when I call, they tell me AAA said it would take forever, so they left to get lunch. So now I am in a dangerous place, waiting for the customer to show.

Ray-the-Tow-Truck-Dude

A: Ray’s final comment: If your car is abandoned, he will void your call and move on to the next one.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.