Q: Gas prices went up 11 cents a gallon at my station in Palo Alto last week. … There are fewer cars on the road due to COVID-19, so why are gas prices on the rise? … Don’t pump prices usually decline in February?

Fred Hayes, Mark Castillo, Don Hu and others

A: Yes, winter normally brings a decrease in prices, but the terrible deep freeze in Texas and other southern states cut refinery production by 20%. The ripple effect extends to the West Coast, too. Patrick-the-Gas-Buddy-Man says to expect the national average to jump 10-20 cents per gallon over the next few weeks.

And by Memorial Day, we could see gas nipping at $3.50 a gallon in the Bay Area.

Q: When making a safe passing movement and a jerk comes right up behind you with flashing headlights to inspect the quality and workmanship of your bumper, switch on your wipers for a good 30 seconds or so to supposedly clear off the armada of dead bugs that sacrificed themselves on your windshield.

The jerk behind you will drop back to avoid the 70-mph-plus overspray splattering his windshield. Extra points if the jerk is driving a convertible with the top down.

George Chamer

A: Uh oh. You have touched a very sore spot, as I discovered a few years ago.

Q: Spraying your windshield on the freeway is a sure way to instigate a severe road rage incident with the driver who gets hit with the spray. I recommend completing the pass, then moving to the right, and living another day.

Peter Mills

A: Many moons ago, I heard about this trick, found it funny and, I imagined, likely effective. Even Karen-A-Merc-Editor reported that she had tried this trick after reading Roadshow and, with a huge grin, said it worked.

Then came the backlash. Drivers hit with the spray were upset, as were drivers several lengths behind, who also got hit by the spray. And motorcyclists were furious with me, saying the stinging spray often hit their eyes. Ever since, I have discouraged it, as it can be dangerous.

Q: Thank you for using your column to respond to a complaint about Samtrans reduced ridership by pointing out “many are dependent on public transportation.” Yes, they are! Some of the hardest working, low-income people in our communities are working two and three jobs and depend on public transportation to get to those jobs! Bless you, for pointing out what should be obvious to all!

Lynda Martinez, San Jose

A: You’re so right. For so many people, public transit is essential, not optional.

Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.