DriveSmartBC

Drivers sometimes have only seconds to react when another vehicle does something unexpected. In that moment, the safest option may not be obvious. But if your split-second decision results in a traffic violation, will the courts excuse it because you were trying to avoid a collision?

When residents become concerned about speeding in their neighbourhood, one suggestion almost always comes up: "Why doesn't the city install speed bumps?" It seems like a simple, inexpensive solution.

Question: The intersection of Valley Road and Summit Drive in Kelowna is a two-way stop for traffic on Valley Road. If one driver approaches from the south intending to turn left and another approaches from the north intending to turn right, which driver has the right of way?

Speed limits exist to improve safety, yet many drivers feel pressure to exceed them. During one week I heard from three drivers facing very different situations: one was being pressured by an employer to speed, another felt unsafe obeying the speed limit because everyone else was driving faster, and a third admitted speeding and wanted advice about disputing a ticket. Together, their stories illustrate the everyday pressures that encourage otherwise responsible drivers to break the law.

Question: Can someone with their N licence have more than one friend in the car if they are the designated driver?

Question: When turning right at an intersection with a bicycle lane, should you merge into the bike lane before turning or turn across it?

Question: Do Intersection Safety Cameras improve road safety in British Columbia, or are they simply another way for governments to collect revenue?

Question: If an Intersection Safety Camera ticket is sent to the vehicle's owner, do they get penalty points on their licence? I found a web post that says you only get penalty points if you were caught by a police officer. Is that true?

Parking too close to a driveway, crosswalk, fire hydrant, or other roadside feature can result in a parking ticket and, in some situations, your vehicle may also be towed. It can also create unnecessary hazards for other road users. One DriveSmartBC reader asked for a reminder of the minimum parking distances required in British Columbia after repeatedly finding vehicles blocking access to the end of his driveway. Knowing these distances before you park can help you avoid enforcement action and inconvenience.