Dear Dr. Gridlock:
My two sons, ages 4 and 6, were walking with me to the Cleveland Park Metro station about 6 p.m. on Aug. 10 after enjoying a day at the National Zoo.
We were walking hand in hand along Connecticut Avenue, discussing the highlights of the day, when a jogger in a tan short set sideswiped my 6-year-old, striking him on the head.
The jogger did not stop to see whether my son was all right. He just kept running, weaving in and out of the pedestrians. I cradled my son in my arms as he sobbed and sobbed. He told me his head hurt "really bad." I think he was also hurt that the man did not stop to apologize and see if he was okay.
I held my son there on the sidewalk for a long time and let him cry as people walked by, staring curiously. A kind lady stopped to help and offered my boys a treat from her bag. That brought a smile, as did her parting words, "I hope that jogger falls down!"
My son asked me to write this letter because he wants the jogger to know that he hurt him and that if you hurt someone -- even by accident -- you should say you're sorry and make sure the person is all right.
I'd like to add, "Be more careful in the future, and shame on you!"
Sarah-Jayne Wallman
Arlington
I suspect the jogger didn't realize what happened. Or else he didn't care that he struck a child, providing one more example that our civilization is coming to an end.
I'm glad your children are okay.
When New to Virginia
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Regarding the "wipers on, lights on" law in this area: I believe you should include the recommendation that new residents pick up a "rules of the road" book at the Department of Motor Vehicles when changing their license and registration from another state, and read it.
New residents need to be aware of a lot more than just the wipers-and-lights law.
Keith Jones
Vienna
Good point. Some residents complain there aren't enough signs to explain traffic laws, particularly new ones. They can learn about rules of the road by picking up the "Virginia Driver's Manual" at offices of the DMV or by logging on to www.dmvnow.org. Click on "Forms and Publications," then select "New to Virginia" from the pull-down menu for information about tags and registration.
Contacts at VDOT
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
In your June 27 column, you presented details from a lunch you had with Maryland Department of Transportation officials, including Neil Pedersen, Dave Buck and Valerie Burnette Edgar.
Who are their Virginia counterparts, and where can I get more information about traffic management and the engineers doing the planning?
James Evans
Rockville
The counterparts are Philip Shucet, highway commissioner, and Joan Morris and Ryan Hall, spokesmen. You can monitor some of their activities by logging on to www.virginiadot.org.
Enforcing HOV Lanes
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
I genuinely believe the Virginia State Police are dedicated to doing their best to enforce the high-occupancy vehicle, or HOV, guidelines, but their job is nearly impossible without the cooperation and compliance of motorists.
Perhaps a friendly reminder in your column every once in a while would help get the message out.
Mark E. Connolly
Woodbridge
Voluntary compliance is necessary. So are increased fines. As of July 1, fines were raised to $500 for repeat violations.
Bad Image for Police
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
There it was on the front page of the Aug. 7 Washington Post: seven lanes of Beltway traffic backed up as far as the camera could see, multiple cars trying to change lanes to the left and, at the front of it all, two cops talking to each other and doing nothing to help traffic move.
