CASE LAW - Jaura v Rosal

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThe case of Jaura v Rosal involves a right angle collision at the intersection of Inverness Street and 49th Avenue in Vancouver. Traffic on 49th Avenue was stopped bumper to bumper in both directions and Ms. Jaura had stopped at the stop sign northbound on Inverness Street. She intended to travel straight through the intersection.

Failing to Remain at the Scene of an Accident

Image of failing to remain crash damageFailing to remain at the scene of an accident, or hit and run as it is more commonly known is without a doubt a daily occurrence in British Columbia. We all know that we are doing something seriously wrong when we hit a cyclist, pedestrian or other vehicle on the highway and leave the scene to escape civil and criminal liability. However, we're not quite so worried when the collision is a scrape or a dent in a parking lot or something else that we can convince ourselves is of a minor nature.

A Yellow Light Means Stop

Yellow LightBelieve it or not, in British Columbia a yellow traffic light tells you that you must stop before you enter the intersection! Yes, I know that there is one caveat to that statement, and it is "unless the stop cannot be made in safety." The onus is on the driver that does not stop for the yellow light to show that it was unsafe if they are involved in court proceedings because of their decision.

WEBINAR - Electronic Logging Devices & HOS Rules

Truck Tractor and TrailerThe Automotive Retailers Association, BCAA and the CVSE held a webinar on May 12, 2023 to inform the towing and recovery industry what the new regulations around electronic logging mean. They have published a YouTube video of the hour long webinar for public information. Karen Coverett from the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure is a guest speaker.

RESEARCH - Sidewalks Are Important

VTPI LogoA recent study by Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI) concluded that the average city spent about 1 percent of its infrastructure budget on sidewalks, even though walking accounted for 11 percent of residents’ trips every day and pedestrian fatalities constituted 17 percent of all traffic deaths. Walking (including wheelchair, scooter and handcart use) is the universal travel mode. Improving walking conditions can provide many benefits

Trailer Light and Reflector Requirements

Utility TrailerNine lamps and six reflectors are the minimum required by law to be installed and functional on your trailer. If that trailer is not a small one, the number grows rapidly to stay in compliance depending on its length and width. Not just any lamp or reflector will do either, they all must be the right device for the right place and comply with standards.

STUDY - Are Pedestrians Comfortable with Self Driving Vehicles?

The University of British Columbia's Research on Active Transportation Lab has released information on their study about the Perceived Safety and Comfort of Pedestrian Interactions with Self-driving Vehicles (SDVs). The study was conducted to inform strategies for the responsible introduction of SDVs in a way that does not degrade the walking experience.