Anti-Gridlock Traffic Law

As a former 120-mile-per-day commuter, I would like to share the following observation.

One of the prime causes of major traffic tie-ups at the height of commute traffic is the California Highway Patrol. Surprise? Not really, if you analyze what the CHP does when they make a routine traffic stop on the freeway. By pulling a car to the curb lane to do what they do, there is an immediate backup as “rubberneckers” check out what is happening or just slow their already snailish speed in blind obedience. (Don’t you ever wonder what kind of offense these people could commit in traffic so heavy you couldn’t possibly exceed the limit or change lanes enough to invoke reckless driving?) The slowdowns then cause lane changing as each jockeys for a “fast” lane, which causes more lane changing, rear-end collisions and on and on!

Would it not be simple to make it law that a motorist who is commanded to stop by the CHP, acknowledge that command by turning on his/her flashers, then proceed to the next off ramp and exit there? I realize the “high visibility” law enforcement likes to have does have a control effect. However, perhaps between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and then again from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the aforementioned idea may have some merit.

We can use all the help we can get!

CALVIN E. PARKER

Upland