Q&A - Flashing Yellow and Green Traffic Lights

Q&A ImageI'm a visitor from Virginia, and have been driving in the Vancouver area for a few times in the past. I have read the DriveSmartBC website information on flashing traffic lights but I still need some assistance: what is / are the difference(s) between a flashing yellow light and a flashing green light?

Misrepresenting the Principal Driver

BC Courts Coat of Arms imageICBC requires vehicle owners to declare who the principal driver of the vehicle will be during the purchase of an insurance policy. The driving record of the principal driver (75%) and the highest risk listed driver (25%) determine the cost of the policy. A deliberate misrepresentation of who will be driving could result in a claim being denied.

Start With a Circle Check

circle check imageThe following story arrived in the DriveSmartBC inbox requesting advice on a defensive driving technique that would avoid a crash when starting on a trip. Doing a circle check before getting into the vehicle is probably the best prevention tactic.

Ignoring a Driving Prohibition Notice

BC Courts Coat of Arms imageWhen you receive mail from the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (aka: RoadSafetyBC) it is never a good idea to ignore it. Garret Cole received a driving prohibition notice and did not open the envelope. Shortly after that he was found driving by police and charged. At trial he tried to convince the court that he did not know that he was a prohibited driver.

Q&A - Sending Photos of Dangerous Drivers to ICBC

Q&A ImageHighway 33, from above Big White turn off to Beaverdale is getting very dangerous. Travelling either way, cars are waiting too long to pass, and end up returning to their lane on double solid lines, just prior to a corner, and often on the curve of the corner. Anyone coming the other way would have no chance of avoiding a head on collision.

Q&A - Old Car - No Seatbelts - Children

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We have a 1956 Ford Victoria, no seatbelts of course. I know it is legal for us to not have seatbelts on, but what about kids who are of the age that they no longer need a booster seat? Can we legally take them out in the car? Our grandsons are always wanting to go for a ride, and we say no as we do not have seat belts. What do you have to say about this?

Your Courtesy is Appreciated

AngelI watched a commercial truck begin to leave the brake check as I approached the summit of Highway 4 outside of Port Alberni today. I knew that if the driver accelerated as he was entitled to I would have to follow him for a few kilometers of downhill grade at speeds significantly lower than the 80 km/h speed limit. I wasn't in a hurry, but I wasn't looking forward to this either.