The next time you are at the front of the lineup waiting for a green light, watch the driver beside you. Many times when the traffic signal turns green they will immediately proceed without looking to the left or right for hazards or traffic already lawfully in the intersection.
For the sake of making my point, I'm going to divide drivers who commit traffic violations into three categories; those that don't know the rules, those that make honest mistakes and those who are selfish and don't think about what their actions might result in.
May 2025 is a busy month for road safety campaigns in British Columbia. ICBC is holding a speeding campaign and the BC Association of Chiefs of Police are running motorcycle safety and high risk driving campaigns.
It is fortunate that this type of collision is relatively rare because the consequences are severe. I am speaking of driving the wrong way on a divided highway or freeway.
Question: I was driving a Nissan Xterra (fairly large vehicle) south on Ziprick just past Costco in Kelowna. As I approached the three way intersection I observed there was a motorcycle near the center lane with his right turn indicator flashing. As he was in what appeared to me as the straight through lane I assumed he had left his turn signal on in error.
Terrence Wojtkiw was issued a violation ticket for three Motor Vehicle Act offences while riding a TAG 500 electric scooter equipped with pedals. He had modified this motor assisted cycle (MAC) so that it no longer qualified for exemptions under the Motor Vehicle Act. He disputed the ticket.
A message in the DriveSmartBC inbox observes that there is such an incredible shortage of common sense about the practicalities of driving, as well as so many people who seem unable to think clearly any more. You cannot get people to drive better just by saying "drive better".
Joseph Munden and Ephrahim Barnett used to be neighbours, did not care for each other and were not on good terms. This case results from Mr. Munden using his vehicle as a weapon and intentionally colliding with Mr. Barnett who was riding his bicycle.
Thinking back over my years of doing mechanical inspections at the roadside, one of the most common deficiencies in older vehicles was a parking brake that was either seriously out of adjustment or didn't function at all.
Sharing the road with aggressive or unsafe drivers can be both upsetting and dangerous. One common hazard is being involved in an unsafe pass, whether it's on a two-lane highway, during heavy traffic, or in poor weather conditions. Staying calm and making smart, defensive choices in these situations can help you stay safe and avoid being part of a crash.