Question: The other day I was driving in the car-pool lane and noticed that the car ahead of me would move significantly to the left every time a motorcycle would pass it. Then I saw something I have never seen before. Every single motorcyclist gave the car a downward wave with their left arm. Is this some sort of secret motorcycle sign language? -- Justin Fournier, Alta Loma
Answer: Besides the minor daily annoyances that motorcyclists face, such as helmet hair and the age-old question of how to adjust one's pants after they work themselves into awkward positions while driving in public view, motorcyclists have to deal with the reality that most vehicle drivers are simply not looking out for them. The grateful wave that motorists will receive from many motorcyclists when they make a conscious effort to leave extra space for them to pass is a visual acknowledgment of the good deed.
Happy holiday license plate sentiment No. 1: Spotted on a sparkling white Chevy Trail Blazer: PRFCDAY
Question: Do you know what the schedule of roadwork is at the 15 Freeday and 215 Freeway interchange? I don't think they are shutting down the roads like they were last month, but a co-worker told me she got stuck in traffic twice in the evenings since the initial closures. We would like to know about the schedule of this work so that we can avoid the jams. -- Shawna Federoff, San Bernardino
Answer: Good news, Shawna. Caltrans has decided to give frazzled travelers a welcome holiday present in the form of a cessation of the weekend lane closures for the Devore Rapid Rehab pavement restoration project on Interstate 15 at the 215 interchange south of the Cajon Pass.
However, you might want to let your co-worker know that night work is scheduled to continue from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Sunday through the end of January. Two more weekends of closures are slated for some time in January; the exact dates have yet to be released by Caltrans. Of course, inclement weather could wreak havoc on the best laid plans of man and Caltrans, so you might want to keep a map with that alternate route handy for a few extra weeks, just in case.
Happy holiday license plate sentiment No. 2: On a black Mercedes SUV: I(Heart)DWIFE
Question: I have heard that after sitting at a traffic light for a certain amount of light cycles, if the light doesn't turn green, you are free to run the red light. Is this true? I have backed over a street sensor several times without it tripping a green light. What is a driver to do? -- Tammy Varner
Answer: If it is safe, a driver is to go for it, Tammy. California Vehicle Code section 21800(d)(1) says that if the traffic light is clearly inoperative after you have stopped, you may legally proceed with caution when it is safe.
Not-so-happy holiday license plate sentiment: Seen on a silver Hummer H2: H8NMEEE
Michelle Groh-Gordy is the owner of InterActive! Traffic School Online at www.trafficinteractive.com , and writes a syndicated weekly column on driving for the publications of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.
