Driving

If Gov. Deukmejian did very much driving in the traffic congestion and gridlock in Southern California, he would or should ask, "How long has this been going on?" The correct answer would be at least as long as the eight years of his governorship. This traffic situation has developed despite his many pre-election campaign promises not to follow in the footsteps of the Brown/Gianturco "do-nothing" regime. JOSEPH E. MONROE Costa Mesa

Some time ago, you printed a letter from a person who said he ould never drive in Europe, implying everyone to be a little crazy. I wish to refute at least part of that. During two weeks last September, five of us rented a minivan and drove from Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris, southward through Lyons and Avignon, then through Montpellier, Toulouse, Tours and to the Normandy beaches before returning to the airport. After 1,800-plus miles, I found the drivers in France to be careful and considerate.

Bob O'Sullivan's article brought back fond and not-so-fond memories of several trips. O'Sullivan doesn't mention the sentence we once read in The Times Travel Section, which has made all the difference to us in enjoyment of driving in Britain. That is, "When you come to a roundabout and you're not sure which road to take, just go around again until you are sure." Those few words ended all frustrations of both driver and navigator. We do enjoy the Travel Section and especially the letters.