Pyke: Readers ask about snow scofflaws, hitting 70 mph on tollway

You do the right thing. Wielding that brush, extremities freezing, you painstakingly and painfully clear the accumulated snow off your car so nothing is obstructing the view.

So why, wonders Marybeth Madry of Roselle, don't other drivers return the favor? We'll answer that question and other pressing issues in today's column.

"Is there any state or local laws requiring drivers to completely clean all snow from the car before driving?" Madry asked.

"I see so many drivers just clean the front and sometimes part of the rear window but neglect to clean headlights, taillights and turn signals. This is a safety issue, in my eyes, since you have no idea if they are braking or turning."

Illinois Secretary of State experts pointed out the vehicle code states no one "shall drive a motor vehicle with snow, ice, moisture or other material on any of the windows or mirrors, which materially obstructs the driver's clear view of the highway."

But there are no references to clearing headlights, turn signals or the roof of the car, leaving it to the individual driver's conscience.

Reader Dennis Bruns wonders why he hasn't seen any 70 mph signs on toll roads even though the Illinois General Assembly passed a law increasing speeds late last year.

"What would be their (the tollway's) motivation to not update the signs if the law dictates they do so?" asked Bruns. "Obviously it is not a financial motivation since I alone spend enough money on tolls every week to be able (to) afford to fix those signs."

Not so fast, tollway officials said, explaining the agency first gets to conduct an engineering and traffic investigation to see if "a safe and reasonable increase in the speed limit is warranted," spokesman Dan Rozek said. Then, IDOT, a state rule-making commission, and the tollway board must sign off.

"Currently, engineering and traffic investigations are underway for all portions of the Tollway," Rozek said.

Bikers versus drivers

My mailbox overfloweth with comments on last week's column about winter biking and walking.

Pete Newman thinks "biking to work isn't a good idea, it's a great idea! The benefits are not limited to the green philosophy with less carbonation and reduced congestion on the road. Cardiovascular health, financial benefits (as a result of less use of a car or better yet - not owning one), less dependence on foreign (oil)."

Newman commutes between home in Lincolnshire and work in Arlington Heights. "My rule is - 'as long as it's double-digits I take the bicycle,'" he wrote.

Likewise, retiree James Boll of West Dundee bikes and walks in all weather. He walks to his part-time job even though co-workers "think I'm crazy. But it is one way to help with pollution and keep me in shape."

Boll added, "I have a new vehicle in (my) garage with only 800 miles after buying it on Dec. 4, 2014."

But Dean Wortham of Hanover Park, writes "when I was a kid, you find things out the hard way, such as riding bikes in the winter. We learned that it's not a stable platform to use during the winter months. Gets you wondering why you don't see motorcycles during this time? I think it's called common sense.

"If these people want pristine paths in the winter months, they can cough up their fair share of road taxes and more maintenance fees for trails, as we four-wheelers do."

Got a question or comment? Drop me an email at mpyke@dailyherald.com.

One more thing

Many a transit agency CEO has been left smarting after being taken to the woodshed by the Illinois House's Mass Transit Committee. The group that probed scandals at Metra was discontinued, however, as of 2015 by Speaker Michael Madigan. Several Republicans, including Rep. David Harris of Arlington Heights, have objected, noting the committee is needed to monitor service and safety issues at Metra, Pace and the CTA.

Madigan's spokesman Steve Brown said the exit of former Chairwoman Deb Mell was the main reason for the discontinuation. Plus the House Transportation Committee can handle any transit issues.

You should know

Mount Prospect Mayor Arlene Juracek is game for one of the region's most unenviable jobs - Suburban O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission chairman. ONCC members will vote in March on replacing former Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder. The Chicago-sponsored coalition of suburbs and city leaders has been a lightning rod for residents stressed by jet noise.

Eco-friendly advice?

You don't have to be a tree-hugger to comment on the Illinois tollway's sustainability policy. The agency has posted a one-page draft on its website for review. It boils down to how the agency can operate in a more environmentally friendly way. To learn more, go to www.illinoistollway.com/homepage.