Faster Updates, Please

Whenever Caltrans has messages on electronic freeway signs, I notice the following: Everyone slows down to read the signs, causing a traffic jam. This is compounded by burned-out lightbulbs and poor abbreviations. When drivers determine the nature of the message on the sign, they immediately change lanes to avoid the real or imagined hazard. More often than not, the hazard listed on the sign is long gone.

These signs have often caused near-accidents. Caltrans indicated to me that it relies on contractors to inform it when the road conditions no longer exist. Caltrans needs to find a better way of dealing with electronic sign updating.

Ron Schoen

Sherman Oaks