Reporting Dangerous Drivers

Dear Traffic Talk:

While driving on the Hollywood Freeway, I observed an erratic driver who weaved and drifted out of his lane several times.

Because of the alert driving on the part of the motorists who were around him, he managed to avoid an accident before exiting the freeway.

As luck would have it, I had to use the same offramp.

I eventually managed to get a good look at the driver, as well as his female passenger.

Much to my surprise, the driver did not appear intoxicated as I first suspected. He was just very elderly.

Should an elderly driver, whose driving skills have deteriorated to the point of endangering other motorists, be reported?

If yes, who should I contact?

And what is the phone number?

Thank you.

Dani Schultz, North Hollywood

*

Dear Dani:

You can report unsafe drivers to the California Highway Patrol’s Southern Division headquarters in Glendale at (818) 240-8200, said CHP Sgt. A. James. The operator will direct your call to the appropriate CHP office in Los Angeles County.

James said to be prepared to give the following information:

* A description of what the unsafe motorist was doing.

* Where and when the unsafe motorist was driving erratically.

* A physical description of the unsafe motorist.

* The license plate of the vehicle and the make, model, color and, if possible, the year of the vehicle.

A form letter will be sent to the driver advising them that they were seen driving erratically by other motorists and that they need to take better precautions, James said. However, since the infraction was not committed in the presence of a CHP officer or other authorities, no citation will be issued, he said.

In some cases, the CHP may report unsafe drivers to the Department of Motor Vehicles for reevaluation, James said. They will be subjected to a driving test and if the DMV deems their driving skills not safe enough for California roads, their licenses may be suspended, he said.

****

Dear Traffic Talk:

I have a two-part question regarding what to do when an emergency vehicle, such as a police car or an ambulance, approaches.

On city streets, how far must I pull over when there is an approaching emergency vehicle which is sounding a siren with flashing red lights?

Also, on the freeway, what should I do when an emergency vehicle is behind me?

H.B. Haggerty, Chatsworth

*

Dear H.B.

The answer to the first question is “as far right as it’s practical,” said Sgt. Ernie Sanchez of the California Highway Patrol. Sanchez added that there is no need to pull over to the curb on the right-hand side.

Emergency personnel are trained never to pass on the right. Because of this, problems arise when motorists stop in the middle of the road or, even worse, pull over to the left, Sanchez said.

Your second answer is simply to move as far from the No. 1 lane on the freeway as is practical so that the emergency vehicle can safely pass on the left, Sanchez said. There’s no need to slow down since emergency vehicles usually travel at a faster speed than commuters, he said.

Again, problems arise when motorists either move to the left or, in some cases, come to a complete stop.

*

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers may submit comments and questions about traffic in the Valley to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. To record your comments, call (818) 772-3303. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to [email protected].