DriveSmartBC

It is not uncommon to watch a vehicle pull up in the parking lot of a service station or convenience store and watch the driver get out and walk inside, leaving the vehicle unlocked, idling and unattended. What better opportunity for a car thief or joyrider can a person provide?

In the case of R v Reid, Judge Lemiski examines an incident in which Reid was the driver of a motor vehicle that fatally injured a young boy in a parking lot. Reid parked her vehicle, failed to place the gear selector in park, and then mistook the gas for the brake, pinning the boy between her vehicle and a building.

In this case, Mr. Erickson had parked his truck on the wrong side of the road at night, leaving his headlights on high beam while he collected his mail from the community mailboxes there. Ms. Scott approached and was unable to see properly because of the headlights.

Imagine the surprise of the motorist at a collision I once investigated. He parked at the side of the road, opened his door, and a passing car tried to tear it off! It's a good thing he didn't step out while he opened the door.

There's nothing like a bit of extreme weather to create problems for drivers. Usually it comes in the form of a collision but lately it stems from too much snow and the inability to park properly or to move a vehicle that was parked legally before the snow fell.

"Cash for Scrap Vehicles" reads the slogan spray painted on the side of a brightly coloured rust bucket parked precariously on the bank between a fence and the side street. It is visible from the main highway as you drive by and if you look carefully at it you can also see the telephone number to call to take advantage of the service.

We live in a rural area and came home to find a vehicle parked near but not obstructing our driveway. It appears to have broken down. A number of days later and the vehicle is still waiting to be retrieved by its owners.

Have you noticed the growing tendency of lazy drivers who are now crossing over oncoming lanes of traffic to stop in front of particular addresses?

An article on the abuse of handicapped parking stalls and the abuse of persons with or without tags would be appreciated. I assume that the permit is issued to the person who is disabled. In many cases, the driver is not disabled. What are the regulations concerning the driver of a vehicle who is not handicapped and the use of the handicapped parking stall?

Spring must be on the minds of many as I have already received a request for information on camping beside the highway. This reader wants to know if there are any rules in BC that would stop someone from camping on the side of the highway overnight.