Member Feedback

Dangerous behavior

Earlier this week we were driving in a 55 mph zone and came to a major intersection with a steady green light, when suddenly two teenage girls dashed in front of us, crossing against the light. They were running and jumping and laughing like it was some kind of game. Fortunately, we were able to stop in time.

On many occasions I have seen groups of teenagers walking down the middle of residential streets when there are perfectly good sidewalks to use.

Please convey to your readers how stupid and dangerous this behavior is.

—Jacky C., via email


I feel compelled to comment about people who use cell phones while driving.

I recently received my first speeding violation, thanks to some woman tailgating me while speaking on a cell phone. It was in an area where I could not pull off the road. The woman was literally inches from my rear bumper babbling away with the cell phone in one hand and gesturing with the other. "Look, Ma, no hands."

I increased my speed to put distance between us, only to run through a police officer's radar and get pulled over. My cost: over $100. Hers? Nothing!

I am tired of reading all the rhetoric about "education" and want to see legislation passed preventing cell phone use while driving. I look to AAA to take the lead since our legislators will not.

—Dennis K., Colorado Springs

The Denver Rockettes

I enjoyed Tammy Bain's memory of the Denver Rockettes [March/April, page 64]. I was the play-by-play voice of the Denver Rockets at that time and her article brought back great memories for me.

To clarify, the Denver Rockets and the Denver Nuggets are the same team. When the ABA merged with the NBA, the team had to change its name because the Houston Rockets already existed in the NBA. The Auditorium Arena (now the Buell Theatre) was an incredible basketball arena and even though the Rockets struggled at times, the fans had a great experience. Those of us who were attached, in any way, to the old "Red, White and Blue Ball" league would never trade those days for anything else in our careers.

Thanks to Tammy for bringing back the memory of the Rockettes.

—Larry Z., via email

Smoking on a cruise

The article "Smoking on a Cruise" [March/April, page 21] is incorrect. I have sailed with Royal Caribbean many times and I have always been able to smoke on the balcony. Not in the stateroom, but on the balcony. After I read the article I called to make sure of the policy. They assured me that you can indeed smoke on the balcony.

—Lanette M., via email

Editor's Note: This member is correct that Royal Caribbean permits smoking on its cabin balconies. We apologize for the error.

Use your turn signals

I have been a AAA member for years. I really applaud the passion you have shown for seat belts, kids' safety seats etc, and now I have a plea—please start some sort of campaign for the use of turn signals.

I really am weary of trying to guess what some of these idiots behind the wheel are going to do. I really wonder if they know what the lever on the steering wheel is for!

—Dottie E., via email

Less oxygen? No!

In the article "Wild Hawaii" [March/April, page 32], there is an error when it says there is 40% less oxygen at 13,796 feet than at sea level.

Our atmosphere is roughly 21% oxygen. This percentage does not change at 14,000 feet above sea level, but the atmospheric pressure is 59% less, which impairs oxygen uptake by the lungs. The high altitude that leaves people "gasping for air" is related to the decrease in pressure, not oxygen. Increasing the percentage of oxygen (such as with an oxygen mask) can help alleviate these symptoms.

With 54 peaks higher than 14,000 feet in this state, I hope this information is educational to those who climb as well as drive and tour. There is no place on Earth where the air we breathe has 40% less oxygen. The pressure just gets less the higher we go, making it more difficult to push the oxygen across a membrane in our lungs.

—Suzy P., via email

Let us hear from you Reader comments and questions are welcome. An editor's note may be printed along with your letter, if deemed necessary. Letters under 200 words are considered first. Letters published in EnCompass do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AAA Colorado and, due to space limitations, we reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Send letters to the editor, EnCompass, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222. Fax to: 303-300-7710. E-mail: editor@colorado.aaa.com. Letters become property of AAA Colorado and are not returned.