In a potpourri of behind-the-wheel factoids, this week we'll look at lavender-scented tires, how to deal with Kriss Kringle in the crosswalk and the deep psychological meaning of dreams about driving.
How often do you stop and smell your tires?
Perhaps if you had the new lavender-scented tires by Kumho, you might make the time to stop and smell your tires every day. The lavender scent is supposed to be most noticeable when the tires are still warm after a long drive.
Remember, I'm just the messenger. Mine is not to ask why.
Question: I received a ticket in December 2007 after I drove by a man dressed as Santa Claus who was crossing the street. I waited until he was several paces south of the center divider before I began to drive through the crosswalk. I was pulled over and ticketed immediately. I want to contest the ticket as I believe that once the pedestrian is past the center divider, the driver can proceed. Is this correct? I cannot find this exact wording in the 2008 California Driver's Handbook. If it is correct, I am willing to spend the time at the courthouse. I'll read the booklet while waiting.
- Clarence R. Webb, Pomona
Answer: I'm afraid you're looking for answers in the wrong book, Clarence. The California Driver Handbook is the condensed, family-friendly version of the California Vehicle Code Book.
Vehicle code 21950 says that the driver of a vehicle must yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
The key word here is "within." Since Santa was still within the crosswalk, I'm afraid that your "present" from the police officer was justified.
Driving dreams: According to www.sleeps.com's "Dream Dictionary," if you have a dream about driving a vehicle, it is a sign that you should be careful to not take chances with your money, such as gambling, in the upcoming weeks. However, if someone else is doing the driving, apparently you will find yourself in luck money-wise.
And I guess if you can't remember that you had a dream about someone else driving, all bets are off.
Michelle Pearl is a longtime traffic-school instructor and the owner of InterActive Traffic School Online, www.trafficinteractive.com. Send questions to drivetime@dailybulletin.com or write to DriveTime, c/o the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, PO Box 4000, Ontario, CA 91761. Some reader questions will be answered in print.
