Dear Dr. Gridlock:
I was traveling south on Interstate 95 on Wednesday, Feb. 16. It was just before 3:30 p.m., and I knew not to get in the HOV lanes because I wouldn't be able to get off by 3:30. I passed the last exit south of Springfield exactly at 3:30.
I traveled slowly in the regular lanes and counted the following HOV users from 3:30 until I lost sight of the HOV lanes near Woodbridge:
I saw one hybrid car, 13 cars with three or more passengers and 40 cars with only one or two passengers (most of those had only one passenger).
I hope this information adds to your statistics. I was amazed at what I saw, as I am a stay-at-home mom living in Prince William County and don't travel in that area often. Is that the norm for this time of day?
If so, I think the question of keeping the hybrid HOV exemption is moot. It is clear that the HOV violators are the problem.
Sandy Melson
Dumfries
By VDOT's own admission, 22 percent of HOV vehicles are in violation of HOV rules. That's a terrible number. More than one in five vehicles are cheaters. That is what VDOT should be focusing on, not getting rid of environmentally friendly hybrids.
Atlanta has near 100 percent compliance, according to my source there, because violators know there is a 100 percent chance they will be ticketed. Perhaps VDOT should go to Atlanta and see how it's done.
Metrobus Didn't Merge
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Yesterday, as I was driving home from work, I had an encounter with a Metrobus. I was in the middle lane when the bus entered my lane without warning. Apparently, the bus's lane had ended, but the driver did not slow down to merge left or he would have seen me. He just barreled into my lane.
He obviously did not look or feel that he needed to use a blinker. I am thankful the drivers to the left and behind me were alert or else I would not be writing you this e-mail.
I am so steamed at this Metrobus driver's disregard for the rules of the road! No signal, no slowing to merge into another lane, nothing! I was forced to slam on my brakes harder than I ever have before.
I have filed a complaint with Metro. How seriously does Metro take complaints like mine?
Jennifer R. Bissell
Washington
Metro says it takes bad driving seriously. You can report an incident to Metro customer service at 202-637-1328. Include as much information as possible: the number of the bus (located at the top front), bus route, date, time, location and direction, and the name of the driver if you were on the bus.
Metro will conduct an inquiry and you will receive a response, according to Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel.
