Q&A - Stop Signs and Traffic Lights, Which to Obey?

Q&A ImageThere is a pedestrian controlled crosswalk at Vivian Street crossing 49th Avenue in Vancouver. For vehicle traffic trying to cross or turn there, there is a stop sign. Do I still have to obey the stop sign if I see that a pedestrian has turn the light red (i.e. all traffic on 49th is stopped)? Can I just go straight through?

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.

Q&A - Horses and Traffic

Horse Council of BC logoI was recently in a critical accident involving horses and traffic. Myself and a friend were riding our horses up Holden Corso Road in Nanaimo, BC when a driver in a blue pick up truck came up towards us travelling at least 20 kms/hour over the speed limit.

Q&A - Are Smoked Lenses Legal?

Q&A ImageQUESTION: I am wanting to put smoke covers on my headlight and tail lights. Is this Illegal in BC? If it is, Are aftermarket headlights and tail lights with the smoke plastic housing illegal too? Is there somewhere I can go on the internet to find out what is illegal and what isn't?

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.