Stop signs needed at dangerous three-way intersection: Roadshow

Motorists are driving through without stopping

Q: On Homestead Road, there is a dangerous three-way intersection in the Foothill Crossing Shopping Center in Los Altos. I’ve almost been hit a few times there.

People don’t stop at the intersection, which is located between two parking lots and numerous shops, so I’m not sure who is in charge of the signage. Three corners come together near the parking lots of Red Pepper Bar and Grill, 2 B Fit, and Trader Joe’s. The words STOP are painted on the road at two of the intersections, while the third is not. Many people drive straight through this intersection.

To make this a safe intersection, all three corners should have stop signs rather than just the word “stop” written on the road in two places. Who should I talk to about this?

Thank you for writing such a useful and informative column and for all of your assistance.

Warrington, Janet

A: Begin with the Engineering Department of the Los Altos Public Works Department. https://www.losaltosca.gov/publicworks/custom-contact-page/contact-public-works displays their contact information. Because this intersection may be on the property of a shopping center, Public Works may direct you to a contact there if necessary.

Q: I needed to take the exam to renew my license. I read in your column about other people in their 70s and the difficult questions on the DMV written exam.

I enrolled in the online course, which included the exam. I scheduled an appointment at the Redwood City DMV to finish the process. I stayed for about 45 minutes. The majority of the time was spent waiting outside to be processed for entry. Then I went to two different stations, one to complete and sign online paperwork and have my eye exam, and the other to have my photo taken and everything finalized.

What a simple and painless way to renew!

Lori McBride from Redwood City

A: It’s fantastic that everything went so smoothly.

Q: You requested good-news driving stories. I own a Bolt EV. One of its many appealing features is that it allows for one-pedal driving. It’s a significant paradigm shift in every way.

The car accelerates or decelerates with the slightest effort. It saves money on brake pads because they never wear out. It’s also safer because when you take your foot off the accelerator, the car instantly slows down, saving a little time before hitting the brakes, which can sometimes be enough to make a difference. Of course, the brake pedal is fully functional for quick, screeching stops.

It also helps to save energy. Instead of generating heat and particulates like friction braking, one-pedal braking recharges the tank (the battery).

— Berkeley’s Doug McKenzie

A: A paradigm shift, to be sure.