Q I understood that gas prices were going to fall about 50 cents a gallon this summer. If they have, I haven't noticed.

Megan Lew


A You soon will. Prices have dropped only about a dime a gallon since spring, but that may be about to change. The experts at GasBuddy.com expect a drop of 15 to 25 cents over the next couple of weeks, to an average of perhaps $3.85 a gallon in California. West Coast wholesale prices have fallen by more than 35 cents a gallon since the beginning of July.

Q How much oil do Americans consume compared with countries like China?

Bob Rios

Prices are expected to return to their levels of fall 2013.
Prices are expected to return to their levels of fall 2013. (Gary Reyes, Bay Area News Group)

San Jose

A Brace yourself. Despite better fuel mileage in our vehicles and an increase in hybrid and electric car sales, Americans account for about 21 percent of the global demand for oil, compared with 11 percent for China.

Q I've always considered your column to be more in the category of entertainment than providing concise information or that of being an advocate for drivers instead of simply passing along unchallenged Caltrans information. Your recent statement on the Highway 101 Palo Alto lane configuration being just another example of information that can hardly be considered factual.


I've never heard of a second carpool lane. What the heck are you talking about?

Juergen Amend

Menlo Park

A What I've been talking about in columns and stories for the past three years. Caltrans is building a second carpool lane from Highway 85 to Palo Alto in both directions for about 3.5 miles. Eventually a second carpool lane will run from San Jose to possibly Redwood City on 101.

Q Out here on Highway 4, we refer to road boulders as "fast lane campers." They camp out in the fast lane, occupying the space until 10 feet from their chosen exit. And yes, I witnessed a minivan suddenly stop from 50 mph and make a right turn angling BACKWARD across three lanes going 70 mph to exit the freeway. Makes you wonder.

Steve Brown Sr.


A Makes you wonder? Going backward sounds terrifying.

Q Are there plans to add an exit off Highway 17 in either direction between Interstate 280 and Hamilton Avenue, an exit from 280 north onto Winchester Boulevard or a new exit/entrance for Moorpark Avenue/Meridian Avenue and 280 south?

The Meridian/Moorpark mess is especially a nightmare during peak hours, ripe with dive-bombers and unnecessary difficulty getting from 280 south to Meridian south.

Joe Davis

San Jose

A Three serious headaches; alas, the answer is no, no and no.

That's three strikes and I'm outta here.
