Early Warning on Freeways Needed
* The March 26 accident at the El Toro Y is a cause of concern to everyone, even those who seldom drive the freeways. While the truck driver from Mexico was arrested and then released, the big question is why?
Rather than stating who was at fault, we should determine what other precautions can be placed into effect, other than suddenly facing the red warning lamps on the rear of cars or the rubber tubes placed by construction companies or Caltrans.
When construction companies or Caltrans divert traffic into lanes where the traffic flow is at the same speed levels, is this sufficient and adequate advance warning to prevent accidents, or does it contribute to the cause of accidents?
Why not consider warning freeway travelers five miles ahead that there’s a need to slow down because of an accident, construction work or the flow of traffic is being diverted from one or more lanes into other lanes?
How can we improve the present system? At every call box, install a lamp controlled by computer to flash on and off in yellow when there is a problem ahead. This will alert drivers to be cautious and alert. This should begin five miles ahead of the problem.
Install lampposts in center dividers to also flash on and off in yellow five miles in advance when the problem exists.
I believe [it] would be a great improvement and save many lives and reduce lawsuits.
CHARLIE CAPOZZOLI
Monarch Beach
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