Q: Some years ago, the Oregon Legislature approved an increase to the maximum speed limit on the interstates. Nothing was to be done until the state police reported which sections could be safely traveled at a higher speed. Since nothing has happened, should I assume that 65 mph is the maximum "safe speed" everywhere in the state, or somehow that report was sent to the Cover Oregon website and is lost forever?

A: Static interstate speeds aren't something that the state can blame on Oracle's shoddy computer programming.

Actually, in 2003, the Legislature didn't directly increase freeway speeds. Rather, lawmakers passed a convoluted bill allowing speeds of up to 70, but only if the Department of Transportation determined that it was feasible.

The legislation ordered ODOT to "establish a process to consider" changing the maximum speed.

Not surprisingly, the majority of people who showed up at public hearings favored ratcheting it up. But engineers and medical authorities convinced the state Speed Zone Review Panel that increasing the speed limit to 70 mph on interstates outside of urban areas would, among other things, result in more road deaths and might encourage longer commutes.

Also, Oregon law requires no more than a 5 mph gap between maximum speed limits for passenger vehicles and freight trucks. The panel didn't think it was safe or reasonable for big rigs to go 65 mph. Of course, most other states disagree.

Speed limits in other states

Interstate highways outside urban areas (with national ranking for states with most traffic fatalities).

California:

70 for cars; 55 for trucks. (2nd)

Idaho:

70 (80 in some areas); 70. (41st)

Illinois:

70; 70. (10th)

Washington:

70; 60. (27th)

Alaska:

55; 55. (50th)

Montana:

75; 65. (39th)

Source: NHTSA

"They made a judgment call," said Dave Thompson, an Oregon Department of Transportation spokesman. "They decided the five-mile difference saved lives, property and infrastructure."

That's not to say the panel rejected increased speed limits everywhere. Interstate 84 in East Portland, for example, went from 55 to 60.

And that's your commuting history lesson of the day.

Oh, and as long as a former ER doctor is in the governor's office, I wouldn't expect the idea of 70 mph in Oregon to re-surface anytime soon.

Q: When I am in a left turn lane and the flashing yellow turn arrow is on, can I enter the intersection while waiting for traffic to clear so I can turn? Most people do not do so, but I do.

A: So you're reasoning goes something like this: Everyone else seems to be doing it, so it must be wrong. You're a rebel, kind of like Kevin Bacon in "Footloose." In this case, you're instincts are spot on. According to state law, you are allowed to "cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by the flashing yellow arrow signal." Still, you're required to yield to oncoming traffic before you cut loose and kick off your Sunday shoes, by which I mean take your turn left. (Kenny Loggins forever!)

Q: I am curious as to why Portland Streetcar drivers get replaced so frequently. On the CL line, they replace the driver at 11th and Marshall at 7:15 a.m. every weekday morning. The driver being replaced could not have worked more than 2 or 3 hours at that point.

A: I'm assuming you have a job. I'm also assuming that you're not U-locked to a cubicle for eight hours straight without getting a bathroom or lunch break. Well, streetcar operators aren't robots. They also possess the basic human need to stretch their legs to stave off a Charley horses.

So, the driver isn't ending work for the day. He or she is just taking a breather and will eventually work the rest of the shift by relieving another operator on the line.

-- Joseph Rose