Q: My neighbor has declared the death of the road boulder!
John LaLonde, Pacific Grove
A: What? Road boulders are on every freeway. Please explain.
Q: He claims that with the advent of adaptive cruise control he can’t be holding up traffic since his car is going the same speed as the car in front of him. As such, he won’t be moving over from the fast lane where he has firmly ensconced himself even if a car has come up behind him at a higher rate of speed than everyone else. What say you, Mr. Roadshow?
John LaLonde
A: I say your pal is nuts. What would he rather do — impede cars coming up behind him at a higher speed or moving over a lane to ease the flow of traffic?
Q: Regarding the letter writer who wants to stay in the fast lane when someone behind her wants to go faster, you could also point out that California’s “slower traffic keep right” law says “Notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits.” It’s not their responsibility to enforce the speed limit (and, if I remember correctly, he was going 78, so it’s a bit of pot calling the kettle black anyway). It’s his responsibility to get out of the way.
Chris Crichman
A: That it is.
Q: Most of the time I think you are spot on with your feedback. This time, not so much. I agree with I.N. from Sunnyvale regarding speed demons. Regardless of the lane I am driving in, I encounter tailgating idiots who swerve from lane to lane going 80-plus mph. Your feedback enables road bullies and all drivers to accept this behavior as normal. I am not sure where our society is going when obnoxious behavior is tolerated.
Joanne Beebe, San Martin
A: Not normal, I hope. But let the bullies by, for your safety.
Q: The worst of the tailgaters will actually follow you to the next lane if you try to move out of their way. I see at least one of those every day on Interstate 680 and always wonder what their deal is.
Laura Holt
A: Me, too.
Q: Your cavalier comment to the 78 mph concerned driver really didn’t properly acknowledge the absurdity of tailgating idiots. Yes, move over and let the crazies pass, but we all know that speeds will keep inching up, up and up. Drivers on Highway 101 are a sane bunch, usually leaving at least a few feet between cars. But you’d better drive 75-80. Stay sane Gary, like you usually are.
Gloria Pyszka Palo Alto
A: Usually.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.
