CASE LAW - R v Moreno Munoz

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case involves a collision where one of the drivers involved was making a left turn at an intersection. That driver, Madame Moreno Munoz was charged for failing to yield on left turn. The trial examines the concept of "immediate hazard" and whether the left turning driver or the driver proceeding toward the left turn driver is required to yield to the other based on the immediate hazard involved.

VIDEO - The No Zone

VideoThis video is an excellent illustration of the "No Zone," an area around a heavy commercial truck where the driver has difficulty seeing small vehicles. All drivers should view this video as it will change their attitude about sharing the road for good. If you do find yourself in the "No Zone," never spend any longer there than you have to.

VIEWPOINT - Hit Them Where it Hurts

MegaphoneI know enforcement people have become powerless in smartening up drivers, but something has gotta give. It seems a though everyone is driving on THEIR road, not OUR road. This mentality is shared by I'm guessing half of drivers these days, commercial and four wheelers a like. Driving defensively all day to save some of these people's lives is becoming a drag to say the least.

REPORT - Ending Alcohol Impaired Driving: a Common Approach

Canadian Coat of ArmsOn June 17, 2009 the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights chaired by MP Ed Fast released a report titled "Ending Alcohol-Impaired Driving: A Common Approach." The report makes 10 recommendations, the most interesting of which says that police should be able to do random breath testing of drivers without having a reasonable suspicion that the drivers have alcohol in their bodies.

READING - A Citizen's Guide to Better Streets

Project for Public Spaces LogoWe strongly believe that now is the time to focus on changing the way that transportation planning is being conducted! Not only does every community have a network of roads and streets, but people in just about every community we have worked with for the last 34 years, have experienced problems related to their streets.

READING - Heavy Vehicles Tire Blowout and Explosion

IRSST LogoDid you know that in Québec, 360 accidents involving a vehicle tire occurred over a period of 10 years, including some ten fatal accidents directly attributable to heavy vehicle tire blowout or explosion? This fact sheet presents the phenomenon of mechanical blowout of heavy vehicle tires mounted on wheels, and the process and events that lead to tire blowout or explosion as a result of heat buildup.

READING - Evaluation of Retroreflective Material on Stop Sign Posts

VTRC LogoThe Virginia Transportation Research Council looked at the addition of reflective stripes to the posts holding up stops signs and then studied driver behaviour. They found that the signs were easier to see in the daylight if the post did not have the stripe installed. The opposite was true at night. However, the conclusion of whether the treatment was useful or not did not surprise me.

READING - Reducing Litter at Roadsides

NCHRP LogoPlease think twice before you toss that item out the window or fail to secure a load properly. Litter on our highways can cost as much as $500 per lane mile to clean up, causes damage to vehicles and might even result in an injury or fatal collision. This US report on reducing litter at roadsides contains Canadian content as well as experiences from other parts of the world.

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CASE LAW - R v Roberts

BC Courts Coat of ArmsIn this case Mr. Roberts fell asleep at the wheel and left the roadway. During investigation of the event he told police that he had been partying late at night and had consumed alcohol. There was not sufficient evidence to convict him of impaired driving, although the reasons why are not discussed. Mr.