Liability for the Second Crash

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThe case of Legere v Harvey involves liability for two crashes on Highway 97 at Gallagher Lake north of Oliver. The first crash was between a southbound Mazda 3 driven by Gail Harvey and a deer. The second crash occurred immediately after between Ms. Harvey's Mazda 3 and a northbound Dodge Ram driven by Ryan Legere.

Round and Round the Roundabout

image of a roundaboutRoundabouts and traffic circles are not new to British Columbia, but if the complaints in my inbox are any indication, they are still totally mystifying to some drivers. Common issues include bulldozing into the circle without yielding, signalling when there is no need, not signalling when there is a need, and yes, going around them in the wrong direction.

Wet Weather Driving

image of wet weather drivingWelcome to wet weather season in British Columbia! Some areas are blessed with this situation more often than others, but drivers need to be aware of the perils of wet highways. The well being of you and other road users depend on it.

Using Your Rear View Mirrors

image typical of rear view mirrorsMirror, signal, shoulder check, change is the chant that we all know to follow for a successful lane change. We also use our rear view mirrors to give us a better view than our eyes alone when we are backing up. Is this all that mirrors are used for and are these the only times that we use them?

Laser Speed Measurement Accuracy

BC Courts Coat of ArmsMy highway patrol unit was issued its first laser speed measuring device back in the early 1990s. It was a popular tool to use because of both it's accuracy in targeting a specific vehicle and the measurement of that vehicle's speed. Case law regarding the use of the instrument developed over time in court the same way that it did with radar when that was introduced.

Inactive Construction Speed Zone

image of sign for construction speed zone I am occasionally asked why construction speed zone is in effect when there is no work being carried out at the time. The standard response from government is that hazardous situations may exist and the reduced speed is necessary to be safe. Examples given are parked equipment, uneven pavement at the edges of lanes and no shoulder.

Booster Seat or Lap Belt?

image of a booster seatWhen I was young there was no such thing as a booster seat. We thought nothing of throwing a mattress in the back of the station wagon, loading up my brother and sisters and heading off on holidays. We would sprawl on that mattress reading comic books or playing games.

Supervisor for a Senior Driver

senior driverQuestion: A dear senior friend who was called for a re-examination failed the road test. That friend has now been issued a learner driver's licence which requires them to be supervised by a fully licensed adult driver. What is the legal responsibility of said driver supervisor?