Miscellaneous

Information regarding topics that don't fit in established categories.

Driving in the Fog

image of traffic in the fogI drove the Inland Island Highway from Campbell River southbound and I encountered heavy fog until approximately Parkville. Driving within my visible stopping distance meant going about 80 km/hr, less at times, with maybe 200 m of visibility. I was really surprised at the speed of drivers going past me, some I estimated at 130 km/h plus. Many were pickups and SUVs.

What is a Highway?

image of a highwayMost people would describe a highway as a stretch of lined pavement that is meant to drive vehicles on, especially outside of municipal areas. This is a highway, but it is only a narrow part of the whole definition.

How Far Can You See When Driving at Night?

Low Beam PatternFreeways in British Columbia are governed by posted speed limits of up to 120 km/h and for the most part are only lit by a driver's headlights at night. The opposing lanes are fairly close together and require the use of low beam headlamps when other traffic approaches. When the highway is busy drivers are often forced to travel long distances on low beam. How safe is this at 120 km/h?

Q&A - What to do About Noisy Vehicles?

Q&A ImageI live in Burnaby in a high-rise condo apartment near MetroTown and am very upset by the excessive noise from both motorcycles and cars that have obviously altered the vehicle from the manufacturer's specifications resulting in noise that can be heard for a kilometer or more away from my place. Motorcycles are the worst offenders.

Transporting Propane and Other Flammable Gases

Propane TankToday's explosion in West Vancouver left a car barely recognizable, injured passers by and did damage to many nearby buildings. The owner of the car left a leaking cylinder of acetylene gas inside and the windows and doors closed. The tiny spark generated by the electric door locks was enough to trigger what amounted to a bomb.