Q: I heard that pedestrian and bicycle deaths in San Jose outnumbered murders in 2018. Is that true?
Michael Foster, San Jose
A: No, it was a tie. There were 27 homicides in San Jose last year, and 27 pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. San Jose averages around 600 injury crashes a year involving bicyclists and pedestrians, but in 2017 that figure fell to around 450. Maybe all those bike lanes are helping.
Q: Interlock ignition devices are a waste of time and money to reduce DUIs. I’ve been a prosecutor and defense attorney who has spent 40 years handling hundreds of DUI cases. Most everyone who drinks has been driving under the influence, even if they drink once in a while. The only difference is that some get caught and others are lucky and do not. We need to stop the moral outrage and get real here.
The interlock devices are just another pain in the ass these unfortunate folks have to deal with. I would suggest a diversion type program for first offenders with a simple class requirement. Period. This is enough to scare the hell out of most people.
Stop the holier than thou. It is like telling people they can no longer have sex.
Mike-The-DUI-Attorney
A: I hope you are wrong. Moral outrage must continue as there are far too many DUI deaths in California each year and the interlock ignition seems a good idea. It’s about the size of a cellphone and wired to your vehicle’s ignition. The IID requires your breath sample and if it detects alcohol on your breath, the engine will not start. As you drive, you are periodically required to provide breath samples to ensure the continued absence of alcohol in your system.
Q: I still have no idea what buzzed driving is, as was posted on Caltrans freeway signs last month.
Charlie H.
A: You are kidding, right? While alcohol is a primary factor for many impaired driving collisions, buzzed driving includes the presence of drugs in fatal and injury collisions which continues to increase. Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription or illicit drugs, or any impairing combination of alcohol and drugs, is illegal.
Q: What is the purpose of the netting hanging under some high electric wires on Highway 101 between San Tomas/Montague and Highway 87?
Ann Greenia, Santa Clara
A: They are there to make sure overhead utility lines don’t fall on the freeway as they are replaced by new high voltage conductors installed over the road. The netting will be removed once work to install the lines is completed.
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