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Dave Downey: On The Road

DOWNEY: Paved with good intentions

When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was raving a few weeks back about a new state law that will launch a pilot program in four counties next year, requiring interlock devices in the cars of people convicted of drunken driving, Pat Ruhman wasn't exactly impressed.

Nov 23, 2009 | 7:45 pm | Loading…

DOWNEY: The red arrow

For the last year or so, making left turns has been a frustrating experience for Trisha Little of San Marcos.

Nov 16, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: 'Cool cars' rule said not cool

Any day now, the California Air Resources Board is expected to post a rule requiring new cars, beginning with model year 2012, to have windows glazed with metallic materials that reflect the sun and keep cars cooler.

Nov 09, 2009 | 12:05 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: Local city is commute champ

Hey there, Lake Elsinore, congratulations are in order.

Nov 02, 2009 | 5:30 pm | Loading…

DOWNEY: Clowning around with cell phones

Attention, all you multitaskers.

Oct 26, 2009 | 12:05 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: The governor's 'fantastic' DUI law

With all the tough drunken driving laws passed in California over the last couple of decades and the numerous media campaigns that have focused on the problem, it is hard to imagine that anyone needs any more incentive to not get behind the wheel after having a few drinks.

Oct 19, 2009 | 12:05 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: The drowsy driver exit

While driving interstate highways across this vast and diverse country, we come across all types of freeway exits.

Oct 12, 2009 | 11:00 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: Motorists getting message on texting

By now you know that typing or reading a text message while sitting behind the wheel is illegal in this state. California banned the distractive practice on Jan. 1.

Oct 05, 2009 | 11:05 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: The fear (of losing a job) factor

Some clear travel trends emerged from last week's release of the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 American Community Survey. But local trends in telecommuting, as framed by the statistical snapshot, were both murky and a bit of a mystery.

Sep 28, 2009 | 11:15 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: Driving and smart growth

Under a new state law, future blueprints for urban transportation networks will have to attempt to reduce driving by placing homes close to employment centers and rail and bus lines. The move is part of a broader campaign to slash greenhouse gas emissions that have been linked to global w…

Sep 21, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: 'Hey, you want to pick a lane, buddy?'

Don't know about you, but one of my biggest pet peeves about motoring around Southern California is the driver who won't accept the fact he or she made a mistake and drive around the block to correct it.

Sep 14, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: Tips from 'Dr. Roadmap'

Well, Labor Day is here. The summer vacation season is coming to an end.

Sep 07, 2009 | 12:05 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: Speed limits and DMV tips

Here's something you don't see every day.

Aug 31, 2009 | 12:05 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: 'Cash for Clunkers' may do little for environment

Down at the local new-car dealership, the federal government's "Cash for Clunkers" program is a booming success.

Aug 24, 2009 | 12:00 am | Loading…

DOWNEY: 'There Oughtta Be A Law'

As dysfunctional and politically petty as Sacramento is, it's hard to imagine an average citizen having any influence on state law.

Aug 17, 2009 | 12:05 am | Loading…

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