Q. Hi Honk! For several weeks an electronic message board, at Serrano Road and Toledo Way in Lake Forest, has flashed, “YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS ON GREEN BALL.” Have many areas been having trouble with such a thing? That message seems humorous. I honestly have no idea what it means!
– Roger Gregston, Lake Forest
A. What, you didn’t see any pedestrians out there rolling along on a green ball, Roger?
In traffic-industry parlance, a green ball is the standard green light on a traffic signal as opposed to, say, a green arrow.
“The message on the electronic board did include some traffic engineering lingo, and we’re sorry for any confusion that caused,” said Jonathan Volzke, a spokesperson for the city. “We appreciate the resident — and Honk — for keeping us on the ball.”
See, even a city official can have a little fun.
Now, let’s get down to the serious side of the sign.
Someone in the public was concerned about pedestrian safety at that spot so the city placed the temporary electronic message board near the T-shaped intersection until permanent reminders — “Yield to Pedestrian” signs — could be planted.
“The city of Lake Forest uses the three E’s — engineering, education and enforcement — to promote traffic safety, and the message board was fulfilling the education component,” Volzke said. “The new signs are in place now.”
Q. Recently, my wife and I were making a trip from the Bay Area (seeing grandkids) back to SoCal. Cruising down the 5 Freeway, behind a tractor-trailer with bold signs on the back of it. I am wondering if the signs are legal. One said, “Stay 200′ behind this trailer.” The sign next to it said, “Warning!! Not responsible for broken windshields.” It seems the truckers should be responsible for a proper tie-down of their load. What’s the law?
– Larry and Julie Voelz, Irvine
A. This question hits Honk’s electronic mailbag now and then, and those signs irritate or humor him when he…
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