Q:Recently when it was raining, I encountered 17 cars that weren’t using their headlights. How can these drivers be reminded that it is the law that headlights have to be turned on whenever the windshield wipers are being used? I did flash my lights at several of them, but they did not respond.—Melissa M. Answer: I must be sounding like a broken record on this. Or a squeaky windshield wiper. It is the law. It’s not just about how well you can see while driving. Having your headlights on when it’s raining helps other drivers to see you.

. . . Q:I’m just commenting on the little poem you ran in the March 7 Street Beat about the right of way. When I was young, a million years ago, I read that poem many times on Burma Shave signs along the highway. That’s your source, and I’ve quoted it many times in my safe-driving classes for seniors.—Madeleine S.

Q:I’m calling about the railroad crossing on Winterfield Road. You responded that they fixed it. True, except the fix is a lot worse than it ever has been. It was just like one reader described. The problem was only on the southbound side of the road. You had to go over very slowly because there was a heck of a drop-off. They went in and repaired it, and now the entire railroad crossing is bad there. You have to creep across it, and it’s backing up traffic. It’s going to knock a lot of cars out of alignment.—John T.

Q:Just this past weekend I was on Hull Street Road when I saw and heard an ambulance coming up behind me. I pulled over on the shoulder in the far left lane. Unfortunately at least one person also in the far left lane didn’t seem to care that I had stopped for the ambulance. He had at least one or two lanes open to his right to move over. But he didn’t seem to give me a second of common courtesy to let me back on the road. Instead he just laid on his horn as if to say “get out of my way.“ Did I mention he was on his cell phone?

Q:Tell your readers that driving around with snow on their car roofs can be a hazard not only to other drivers but also could cause an accident for themselves. About 15 years ago, I, too, was one who didn’t remove snow off his car roof. One time while driving around with 3 or 4 inches on top, I had to apply my brakes as I approached a turn. As I did so, the deceleration of my car caused all that snow to slide forward and completely cover my windshield.

Q:What are you supposed to do when a school is closed, but the school-zone lights are flashing? Aren’t you still supposed to obey the lower speed limit? I had a guy tailgating me because I was obeying the speed limit.—Ron M. Answer: This question has come up a lot because of school cancellations, said Tom Lambert of the state police.

Q:I realize I am in the minority here in Richmond, but I love driving in the snow. However, I never leave my house with a foot of snow on the roof of my SUV. Nothing infuriates me more than some lazy person who refuses to take the time to clean their vehicle and then proceeds to drive 65 mph on the interstate. As a stream of snow billows from their Prius, it blinds the person behind them. Worse yet, when the snow on the roof melts and refreezes, it becomes an ice missile. Common courtesy would suggest that you take the time to clean your vehicle before you become a hazard. Is there a law that prohibits this? I know I would be cited for throwing ice cubes out my sunroof, but as I see it there’s no difference.—Tosh S.

Q:After it snows, who is supposed to clean the area around GRTC bus stops? I asked Richmond officials, and they said it wasn’t their responsibility. I asked GRTC, and they said the same thing.—A reader Answer: Cleaning up the snow is very important, especially if you are one of those people who has not yet had a chance to buy 20 loaves of bread.

Q:I have noticed that when interstates are repaved, the area under an overpass is not. This is true on Interstate 64 west between Gaskins Road and Broad Street and on Interstate 295 going east. Any reason for this other than saving on asphalt?—Mike K. Answer: Well, nothing grows in the shade. Actually, this has to do with clearance heights: Adding more pavement might reduce the clearance for trucks and other large vehicles.

Q:I live in Midlothian and have my offices downtown, but many weekends I go to our home in Deltaville. I merge from the Downtown Expressway onto Interstate 95 north easily enough and can make it to the long right-hand turnoff to get onto Interstate 64 east OK. The problem is that many cars do not merge into the proper lane to make the turn. Instead, they continue in the right lane on I-95 north only to dart into the turn lane for I-64 east at the last moment. That causes everyone who is in the proper lane to stand on their brakes.

Q:I have a question about Interstate 95 north between mile markers 92 and 98. There are not potholes but craters in the middle lane. Unless you drive a military vehicle, you are likely to blow a tire or knock your car all out of whack. Do you know if the Virginia Department of Transportation or someone has a plan to alleviate these awful holes?—Bowling Green Commuter

Q:I have a couple of comments regarding merging onto interstates. It really doesn’t matter who’s being rude or who has the right of way—the most important thing to remember is that you need to drive defensively and courteously. The other stuff only really comes into play to determine who gets the ticket after the wreck. Drivers on the interstate coming upon traffic attempting to merge should be prepared for that merging driver to pull in front of them going 15 mph. If they do, you can pass them or just accept the delay. It might not be to your liking, but the delay is temporary, and death is permanent. You should also rely on your brakes. Neither your horn nor your middle finger do much to slow down your car.

Q:Could you provide me with the state law, regulation or policy that an unoccupied disabled vehicle on the shoulder of a road is required to display something hanging out of a window? I’ve seen everything from a Wal-Mart plastic bag to a pair of Bermuda shorts flapping in the breeze on these vehicles. This practice does nothing to improve safety or provide any additional information to law-enforcement personnel—it’s self-evident the car is disabled. And it does not prevent towing the vehicle. So what mandates this action?—Robert L.

Q:On the subject of merging: Some drivers merging onto an extremely busy and dangerous highway like Interstate 95, where cars are going 65 to 70 mph, make you slam on your brakes to let them in. Most people do not even look and assume that when they enter that entrance ramp that it’s their right to get on the highway. I have been flipped off, cussed at, honked at and other rude acts when I do not let someone in. Those coming onto the highway need to learn what “yield” means.—Marjorie S.

Q:I read with interest your previous Street Beat column on merging. I’d like to complain about those who use a nonmerging area to get ahead of those waiting in line. This situation causes me annoyance every morning on U.S. 360 West at the entrance ramp to Interstate 64 West. Just prior to 360’s intersection with Crump Street begins a solid white line and a VDOT sign that clearly informs drivers not to cross the solid line. This white line continues all the way to and past Magnolia Street, where another sign again tells drivers not to cross the solid line. Drivers who refuse to wait their turn to get onto 64 fly by those of us who do wait, and butt in at the entrance ramp. This only causes more of a slowdown and a backup for the rest of us.

Q:I saw in the previous Street Beat a question about an alternate merge. What if the sign says merge left? If I’m in the left lane, I feel as though I have the right of way. But these crazy people in the right lane don’t move over until they get to the very end, and then they don’t even look. I want to be sure I’m in the right if I have an accident in this situation. I travel east on Lucks Lane every day, and right after passing the state Route 288 exit is this stupid merge. It goes from three lanes to two to one. Hope you can clear this up. Thanks.—Lissi E.