DriveSmartBC

I'm sure that you have already determined that if I don't write this column based on reader requests, I write about something that I have seen happen around me in traffic. This column is no different, and it is about a behaviour that struck me when I was using the freeway in Vancouver recently.

Discussions with readers over last weeks column raised an interesting point. I usually talk about it in relation to using a signal light, but it applies equally well to many other areas such as following distances or why the speed limit might seem low on what appears to be a straight road.

The Centre for Automotive Safety Research at the University of Adelaide, Australia, has released a report that explores the role of tailgating in rear end crashes and examines potential measures to counter tailgating.

Ouch! Between my trip to work this morning and arriving back at home for dinner gas prices rose by six cents a litre. There are many strategies that you can employ to minimize the hard earned cash that you spend on fuel costs. Who knew that following them might have the additional benefit of contributing to traffic safety?

Ah, the Christmas driving spirit is manifesting itself everywhere. I was sitting in a mall parking lot waiting for my wife and whiling away the time by watching what was going on in the vehicles around me. It was not a happy time of year for the occupants of some of them!

Would you please discuss the relatively new habit of slowing down, way back from a stop light, potentially blocking access for both the left and the right turn lane...especially where there is an advance green light for a left turn.

My question is, what do we do about stress and anger on the roads due to drivers that are endangering lives of others? What do you recommend to help get your mind off a negative experience while driving?

We recently moved to Comox from Ontario and we love everything about the area, the people, the weather....all except one thing: the speed at which some vehicles travel is exceptionally fast and dangerous. As soon as they can see the road is clear, feet hit gas pedals. Not just trucks and motorcycles, but many cars too.

I was driving to school this morning and listening to the news on the radio. Our Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, John Les, was being interviewed about the use of cell phones while driving.