Dear Mahatma: I don't remember "fog line" from driver's ed, but I sure read about it in the cases. So I did a Westlaw search and found 2,705 cases using the term. -- Defender of the First
Dear Defender: It's good to have esteemed attorneys reading this column.
As you explain, the fog line is the line of demarcation. Cross the fog line, and maybe you're drunk or sleepy or texting. You can get stopped by the police. From there, it's downhill.
Speaking of texting and general use of cellphones, the state of Washington now has in effect its E-DUI Act. The law restricts hands-free use to a single touch. Drivers may not use hand-held cellphones or watch videos while they're driving, stopped in traffic or at a stoplight. This includes tablets, laptops, games or any hand-held electronic devices.
Dear Mr. Mahatma: Your article on fog lines was accurate for the driver's right on two-lane roadways. However, on multiple lane roadways, interstate or other controlled access highways, the fog line on the driver's left will always be yellow. Maybe you caught the traffic engineer's bible in a boo boo! -- An Old Highway Contractor.
Dear Highway: You are correct, and The Mahatma was either wrong, confused or dazed. We are fond of saying we're not too smart. To date, our girl has yet to dispute that.
Never mind the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Look around at any two-lane roadway, interstate or other controlled access highway. The fog line on the left is always yellow.
Dear Seer of all Things Nonsensical in Traffic: It's difficult to travel the new Broadway bridge without noticing the orange barrels in the center of the north end of the bridge. Look into your crystal ball, O Swami of Traffic Patterns. Will this be cordoned off forever? Is this part of the Department of Transportation's orange barrel storage program? -- Seeker of Enlightenment
Dear Seeker: An orange barrel storage program is funny.
David Nilles of the DOT tells us that some minor finishing work goes on. That work necessitates closure of that lane. The left-turn lane is expected to be open by Sept. 1.
Dear Seer of the Signage: A city crew came by and planted a noise ordinance sign in my yard. I didn't ask for one. Do such signs do any good? Folks with $25,000 motorcycles and $3,000 car stereos want to be heard. A sign won't deter them. -- Where's My Spade?
Dear Spade: Readers of this column persistently complain about noisy vehicles. If they complain here, they complain to City Hall.
You may not have asked for that sign, but maybe your neighbors did and your yard is the best, most visible place.
Please don't dig up that sign. Damaging government property. Obstruction of governmental operations. Thirty days, the judge said. Don't call us to float your bail.
Vanity plate: IAM4LSU.
Fjfellone@gmail.com
Metro on 08/19/2017