The Jerk and Other Driving Peeves

Southern California freeways have spawned a new menace that the California Highway Patrol and safety-conscious public officials seem unable to control.

I refer to the “4 x 4” pickup trucks (invariably sans cargo) darting in and out of traffic at terrific velocity.

I’ve been tailgated and nearly run off the road dozens of times by these metal assailants.

I drive a less imposing small car, but the other day I dropped in a truck stop restaurant and took an informal poll. The unanimous opinion of the big-rig drivers was that the four-wheel-drive pickup truck, especially those jacked up with huge wheels, is the No. 1 safety hazard on the road today.

J.B. SMITH

San Diego