Stay Home!

Winter StormWe've had some interesting weather in southwestern British Columbia over the last few days! It's included some less than ideal driving conditions due to ice, snow and rain, often in combination. A common bit of advice heard in the media is "if you don't have to travel, stay home!

OPINION - Raising the Level of Consequences

Paul Hergott Law logoTaking away someone's privilege to drive is viewed as a drastic step in correcting driving behaviour. Currently, a fully licensed driver has to accumulate a significant number of points in a year before the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles takes steps to apply this penalty. In my experience, the traffic courts are also reluctant to take this step, saying "I'll leave that up to the Superintendent." when the officer prosecuting requests a prohibition as part of the penalty.

Buying Used Tires

image of used tiresBuying a set of used tires can be economical, but it can also hold hidden hazards that would make them much less than a bargain. Not only do you have to insure that the tires are safe to use, you have to make sure that they are safe to use with your vehicle's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) as well.

Being a Safe Pedestrian at Night

walking at nightMy life is usually mostly rural in character, but I've been visiting Surrey this week as both a driver and a pedestrian. Given the spate of vehicle / pedestrian collisions in the news lately it has been interesting to consider how they happen in light of my unusual surroundings. I think that a large component of the problem is haste with drivers and lack of attention by pedestrians.

VIDEO - On The Road With The McIntyre Family

VideoThis TyreSafe video from the UK is equally valid here in British Columbia. Well, except for the 20p coin tread depth test of course! It urges you to consider the condition of your tires monthly, or at least prior to every long trip. In addition to what to check, it adds information on how tires can affect your ability to operate your vehicle safely.

After the Fender Bender

Intersection CrashToday it almost seems like having a minor collision is only important to those who actually collide and their insurance company. There is no requirement to report a collision to the police and other motorists can't wait for you to get out of their way.

Q&A - Working in Alberta, Living in BC, Do I Need a BCDL and ICBC Insurance?

Q&A ImageIn my current position I come across a large amount of drivers who seem to live in British Columbia but have Alberta licence plates and insurance. The story goes that they husband works in Alberta and commutes back to British Columbia on their days off. Most of the time their wife and children live full time in BC, kids attend a BC school etc.

My questions are these: