A Defensive Driver Always Signals

Turn SignalDuring the question and answer portion of any group presentation that I give, someone always asks about the use of turn signals. They are either curious to know what they must do or are being sarcastic about the drivers that they see around them that  never signal. It's usually the latter but when asked to articulate, most drivers don't know exactly what is required of them by law and what a defensive driver will choose to do for safety.

Q&A - Unsafe Walking to & From School

Q&A ImageWhile walking my 11 year old son to Van Horne Elementary this morning- yes I have to walk him because of the poor driving in my neighbourhood there was a dangerous situation at the corner of 43rd and Ontario St. My son and I were headed west on 43rd and had the right of way. We looked to ensure no cars were coming in any direction and step into the intersection.

Cyclists are NOT Second Class Road Users

CyclistI read a story in the Victoria Times Colonist this morning regarding crashes involving motor vehicles and cyclists using the Galloping Goose trail. The article was prompted by a cyclist who had ridden across Kelvin Road and was struck by a driver who had stopped for the stop sign and then failed to yield to the cyclist.

VIDEO - Double Crunch

VideoThis video of a multiple vehicle collision was contributed by the driver in the middle. He was stopped waiting to turn left with his wheels turned to the left in anticipation. The driver of pickup following behind apparently fails to notice the left turn driver slow and stop in front of him, resulting in the first collision.

Q&A - Driving without Consideration Ticket

New Driver Signs 2011My 18 year old son finally got his N on March 11/15.  He was involved in an accident on March 30/15  - he was traveling down a narrow roadway and had a momentary lapse in concentration (no phones/other people in the car) and the front tire of his car clipped the front tire of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction - neither car was travelling at any great rate of speed - no ones airbags deployed.