Expect the Unexpected from Police Vehicles

Police VehicleI used to smile when I saw closely spaced traffic, a large gap, a police vehicle, another large gap and finally more closely spaced traffic. Everyone is afraid of the cop I thought. Having spent 25 years driving a marked police vehicle I recognize both that I rarely see this anymore and that it was a wise thing to do. Police vehicles often make unexpected starts, stops and turns.

Be a Careful Good Samaritan

Pulling Car Out of DitchEven though our winter driving season is almost over, the situation of stopping to pull an unfortunate driver out of the ditch came to mind. I think everyone realizes that care has to be exercised in pulling the vehicle out so that another collision doesn't occur. However, being a good samaritan could make you a party to an offence.

CASE LAW - Ferguson v Yang

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case involves a collision that occurred in a school zone between vehicles parking at the curb. Mr. Ferguson had pulled over parallel to the curb and was preparing to back up and provide more room for others to park. Mr. Yang made a U turn from the other side of the street intending to pull in behind Mr. Ferguson and struck the Ferguson vehicle causing minor damage.

Justifying Our Misbehaviour

SoapboxTonight's six o'clock news contained a story about how police had issued over 5,500 tickets for using electronic devices while driving offences across the province in February 2013. More than 100 more were ticketed for driving without due care and attention. It means to me that lots of drivers aren't obeying the law and more than 100 were caught doing something dangerous because of it.

Q&A - Escaping From a Submerged Vehicle

submarineWhen younger, I learned how to drive on a standard and crank-by-hand windows. Flash ahead forty years, automation has taken over the vehicles. Purchased a newer vehicle in 2008 to travel around. It had all the buttons. Some buttons I did not feel comfortable for safety reasons such as the automatic locks and windows.

CASE LAW - Fraser v Konnert

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis is a small claims case that appears to involve a bit of self appointed construction zone traffic policing by two motorists, some road rage  and a minor collision when a third vehicle tried to overtake and merge. One driver was intent on merging and one driver was intent on preventing the other from merging.

The Forgotten Stop - Emerging From Alleys and Driveways

Stop SignHow often have you seen a driver exit an alley, parking lot or parkade and either zoom right across the sidewalk or make a first stop directly over top of it? This can make life difficult for pedestrians who may happen to be in the way. It shows that the driver is not thinking ahead as the sidewalk is there to be seen and the potential conflict with pedestrians recognized.

Q&A - Frustration With Vancouver's Pay Parking App

no parking signQUESTION: I regularly pay with Vancouver's pay by phone app. However, i have noticed that once in a while, the change in license plate (i have two vehicles) does not register. So the other day, I paid for parking and all was good, except it in fact did not register the change so I parked my other license plate. Sure enough, I got a ticket.