San Jose Mercury News Roadshow column

Sept. 04--Q I recently purchased a convertible and would like your input on where to keep the registration and proof of insurance. The glove box and center armrest cubby locks are very easy to defeat with a flat-head screwdriver, so I don't want to keep the paperwork there if possible.

Would a police officer find it odd if I got pulled over, said the paperwork was in the trunk and I would need to get out of my car? I can't think of a safer place to put it.

Stephanie Cervi

A A cop would not find it odd. Just remain in your car until the officer approaches and then explain the situation. .

Q Boo hiss on Mr. Barbeiro, who used his windshield spray and got upset when another driver whose car was sprayed got upset with him. I was driving on Interstate 580 going west and the sun was right in my eyes. Some idiot several car lengths ahead and a lane over decided his windows needed washing and washing and washing. I was totally blinded as the fluid hit my windshield. Please, think and look before you spray the next time!

Laura Manthey

San Jose

A Think, look and only then spray. Good advice.

Q Why do VTA trains stop in or creep through the Hedding and First Street intersection? No evidence of track work. Does a snail pace affect signal timing and exacerbate Hedding congestion?

Dave Truslow

San Jose

A VTA had to do some maintenance work there, and it included excavating portions of Hedding and First so as not to disrupt light rail and traffic. It's now complete, and speeds should have picked up.

And there's better news. Light rail passengers won't have to guess when the next train will arrive. VTA now offers real-time information including all light rail departures through 511. Previously, 511 only showed VTA's bus departures, so this new combined feed with both light rail and buses means you can find real-time information for any VTA trip in one place.

Go to 511.org or call 511 from your phone. Departure times are also available from a desktop browser at www.511.org and on electronic signs at Palo Alto Transit Center, Diridon Station, Lick Mill light rail station, San Jose Airport (in the shelter for VTA's line 10 Airport Flyer), and Mountain View light rail station.

Q I just drove to Oregon and encountered a bright purple roadbed on the under-construction southbound lanes of Interstate 5 north of the city of Mt. Shasta. Purple? Any idea what that's about?

Jack Moore

Saratoga

A They color code the rebar along the Anderson Grade project north of Yreka. It is stronger epoxy with a longer life expectancy, while green is flexible. The purple epoxy is also better at resisting corrosion, which is critical since they get a lot of severe weather up there and purple also makes it much easier to inspect. Easier to see chips in the purple.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow, follow him at Twitter.com/mrroadshow or contact him at [email protected] or 408-920-5335.

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