Hazards, Advantages of Costa Mesa Freeway Car-Pool Lane

I am a lifelong resident of Orange County and a commuter on the Costa Mesa (55) Freeway. I am, however, outraged by the lack of responsibility demonstrated by Caltrans and whatever other agencies are involved in the recent dangerous changes to this freeway.

For months now, I have tolerated long delays and hazardous conditions in the hope that the dangerousness of the car-pool lane would be realized and appropriate changes made. Perhaps a class action suit, filed by motorists who have experienced injury or vehicle damage on this freeway, would be appropriate.

The new car-pool lane in my opinion is exceedingly dangerous. Commuters have not learned the new system, taken advantage of it or have chosen to ignore it.

Daily I observe many dangerous and inappropriate uses of the freeway system. These include dangerous entry and exit into and out of the car-pool lane, speeding in the car-pool lane, slow driving in the car-pool lane and numerous single occupant vehicles routinely use the car-pool lane.

Caltrans has made a giant blunder that daily endangers the lives of countless commuters on the 55 Freeway. It is unfortunate that there is no adequate alternative to this blood pressure-raising, vehicle-damaging, injury-causing freeway system (the only one that runs north/south in the county).

I urge the public to write letters and phone the appropriate agencies.

I propose that large commercial vehicles be banned during rush hour from the 55 and other freeway systems in Southern California. In addition, I propose that the poorly conceived car-pool lane be discontinued and a flat four-lane freeway be adapted.

CHUCK LOHRSTORFER

Costa Mesa