Mercury News' Mr. Roadshow Talks Traffic at Lawson Middle School

Rules of the road and a bit of reminiscing were on the menu for Lawson Middle School’s May 24 family social that featured guest speakers the Mercury News’ Mr. and Mrs. Roadshow who spoke to both parents and students about road safety and Cupertino traffic concerns.

PTA president Elena Herrera said her inspiration for the event came from her friend who moved to California from Illinois and didn’t know what to do in freeway’s exit only lane.

“She would drive along in it [the exit lane] and then merge over at the last second unsafely,” Herrera said. 

With many Cupertino residents coming from other countries or, more and more, from other parts of the U.S. Herrera said she felt it would be beneficial to educate everyone on local road laws. Herrera added that while most traffic laws are similar, not understanding some small changes—such as California’s right turn on red—can be dangerous.

But things did not start off so dramatic.

Mr. and Mrs. Roadshow began by talking about Gary Richards started Mr. Roadshow back in ’91, how Mrs. Roadshow got famous and sharing some of the amusing stories collected over the years. Stories such as the two Frenchmen who where found going 101 mph on Highway 101 (they misread the white and black speed limit sign) or the 20-something kid going 75 mph on Highway 17 (trying to escape a pending marriage).

After the stories of Steve Wozniak getting a speeding ticket in a Toyota Prius, or showing up at a carpool-lane sticker removal party in a Humvee, were concluded, the Roadshows were joined by Deputy Bond of the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department for a Q&A and discussion on road safety tips.

Here’s the take away:

• If foliage is covering street or traffic signs, contact Cal-Trans district four and report the issue. Due to budget cuts the work teams have been reduced from 14 people to five and are now complaint driven.
• If a street is unmarked, the speed limit is 25 mph and three-point turns are legal, even if using a residential driveway. U-turns however, are not legal.
• Jaywalking, while wildly dangerous, is only illegal when being done between two controlled intersections (intersections with streetlights). Jaywalking before or after a crosswalk is the most dangerous according to Deputy Bond, and results in the most cases of pedestrian/vehicle collisions.
• Keeping with jaywalking, Apple Inc. has such a problem with its employees jaywalking across De Anza Boulevard that company policy now includes promotion demerits and possible termination for an employee’s jaywalking citations.
• Unmarked crosswalks, or the space between two corners at an intersection, are still crosswalks and must be recognized by drivers.
• Children especially, but also adults, should wear visible clothing when walking. “Even white shoes can make the difference,” Bond said.
• Bikes are considered vehicles, and must obey the rules of the road. That means riding on the right side of the road and stopping for stop signs.
• If a car is in park, the car is considered parked. If it is in drive, it is considered in motion. Remember that when waiting in a “no parking” section of road and texting. If the car is in drive, you are texting while driving.

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