Driver Signals for Lane Change to Fix Problem Intersection

Dear Street Smart:

Traffic turning left onto Paseo de Valencia from Laguna Hills Drive in Laguna Hills often backs up, causing drivers to wait through two or more signal cycles. Some drivers beat the system by turning left from the through lane or by going through the intersection, then making a quick U-turn. The first method is illegal and dangerous, the second is probably only dangerous.

A simple solution would be to change the through lane to allow left turns. This would probably involve adding a left-turn signal at the intersection. Are there any changes in the works that might help to alleviate this situation?

David C. Rosenbaum, Laguna Hills

The Orange County Traffic Engineering Department received several calls and letters about that intersection not too long ago, and crews were sent out to study the situation, according to Ignacio Ochoa, the county traffic engineer.

The crews reported that the left-turn problem was happening twice a day, for about 15 minutes each time during the morning and evening peak hours. The recommendation was to not make any changes because of the problem’s relatively short duration, Ochoa said.

However, Ochoa is having the crews re-examine the intersection, in response to your letter. There are two main solutions that may be used, if seen as necessary.

One you already mention: converting the through lane to a left-turn/through traffic lane. To do so, a new signal would have to be installed.

The other solution is less expensive. Left-turn traffic from Laguna Hills Drive to Paseo de Valencia is sometimes blocked by pedestrians in a crosswalk. By removing that crosswalk, the conflict would be eliminated. Pedestrians could continue to use the crosswalk on the south side of the intersection.

Ochoa will hear back from his crews late this week, and Street Smart will let you know of his decision. Any changes would go into effect within a month.

Dear Street Smart:

What is the proper way to proceed if you are stopped in the left-turn lane and the signal stays on red?

Fred Altemeier, Costa Mesa

You should wait until you are certain that the signal is malfunctioning, then make your turn when safe, according to Costa Mesa traffic investigator Steve Rautus. If you are uncomfortable about turning left, then it would be OK to drive straight through the intersection when safe.

Be certain that you let the city know about the malfunctioning signal so that it can correct it, Rautus said.

Dear Street Smart:

My big pet peeve is the single drivers who enter the freeway using the car-pool side of on-ramps. I enter the Santa Ana Freeway on the Chapman Avenue on-ramp five days a week, and there are always three to four cars passing by. I know that we are short of officers, but how about rent-a-cops? The fines would more than cover the expense.

Robert E. Noyes, Anaheim

Joe El-Harake said most ramps have a low violation rate, but sometimes particular ramps have problems. He said Caltrans will have the California Highway Patrol check out enforcement on that ramp.

As for enforcement in general, the CHP--in North County--has two to four officers a day specifically looking for car-pool lane violators, which includes those illegally using on-ramps. South County enforcement is less extensive because the area has fewer car-pool lanes.

El-Harake said those who notice ramps that have high violation rates should contact Caltrans or the CHP.

A few weeks ago, Street Smart listed some radio stations where readers could hear traffic information. Those looking might also want to try FM stations KKBT (92.3), KLOS (95.5), KBIG (104.3), KRTH (101.1) and KFI-AM (640), all of which get reports from Airtraffic Communications. The company also says Orange County-specific reports can be found on FM stations KEZY (95.9), KIKF (94.3) and KYMS (106.3).

As mentioned before, many stations offer updates, so skipping across the dial should turn up one to suit your needs.