Saratoga News

Sheriff makes sure drivers pay attention to the time

By Michelle Alaimo

Drivers wanting to turn right at a red light from Saratoga Avenue onto northbound Highway 85 could find themselves in hot water if they don't pay attention to their watches.

Santa Clara County Deputy Sheriff Kristen Tarabetz stands out on the corner several times a week during commute hours, helping to keep traffic moving and writing tickets.

"The reason I stand out on the corner is so that traffic doesn't back up," she said.

Although signs are posted stating that right turns at a red light are not allowed between 4 and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, drivers still turn both right and left onto the Highway 85 onramp. This leads to backups, and sometimes accidents, at the intersection when drivers turn and there is no room for them yet on the ramp.

The accident rate at the intersection has gone down significantly since the beginning of the year, when Tarabetz began patrolling the intersection.

Tarabetz said she cites motorists who turn right on red against the posted signs or who create gridlock. Under the gridlock law, she said, drivers are not allowed to enter an intersection unless there is a place for them on the other side of the intersection.

But many drivers are determined to turn into the intersection, not aware of the consequences it can bring, such as accidents, Tarabetz said, adding that drivers are shocked to see her walk up to their car. Once they are on the ramp, she said, "they are captive" because there is nowhere for them to go in heavy traffic controlled by metering lights.

When a driver does make an illegal turn, Tarabetz said, she simply walks over to their car and asks them to pull over to the shoulder. She then explains what they did wrong and will either cite them or give them a warning.

Tarabetz said she has had as many as three cars pulled over on the shoulder at one time and has given up to eight tickets in half an hour. The citations can be costly, running up to $100, depending on penalties and assessments, according to a San Jose Traffic Court clerk.

Making an illegal turn and blocking the intersection are not the only violations for which Tarabetz has given citations or warnings. Tarabetz said she has given out many warnings to people not wearing seat belts. One time, she had to have a vehicle towed because the disabled driver was using sticks to operate the gas and brake pedal and was driving without a license.

Tarabetz must also make sure that drivers are not pulling into the bike lane to make a right turn.

Tarabetz said she usually is out at the intersection from 15 minutes to an hour at any given time. The days and times she is out there are random, all depending on the traffic flow-- the more traffic there is, the more likely she'll stop by.

"I'm not afraid to get out and walk and stand out on that corner," Tarabetz said.

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