DriveSmartBC

In a survey dated August 13, 2018 conducted by ResearchCo asked "Do you approve or disapprove of using the following kinds of speed enforcement in British Columbia?"

Brigitte Schultz was stopped by police in Abbotsford for failing to maintain proper lane position, driving more slowly than normal and failing to stop for a yellow light. She displayed symptoms of impairment and was tested with an approved screening device. The test registered a fail.

More space equals more time. Think about that carefully for a moment as it should be a constant consideration for all drivers. Driving should be an action, not a reaction and the best way to make it an action is to give yourself time to think, plan and execute your decisions safely.

The Provincial Court of British Columbia has released a Guide to Disputing a Ticket. The 16 page PDF document expands the information available on the court's Traffic and Bylaws page and is aimed specifically at provincial violation tickets rather than federal or municipal violation tickets. This is applicable to traffic tickets issued under the Motor Vehicle Act and Commercial Transportation Act.

I never know what is going to wind up in my DriveSmartBC inbox, but it is bound to be entertaining, interesting, thought provoking or just plain letting off steam at an easy target. I read them all, try to reply with reason and civility and often use them as the basis for an article.

Q: I was heading north on Bellevue Road in Errington and stopped at the stop sign at the Alberni Highway to make a left turn to head west toward Coombs. I was in a left turning lane and turning into the left lane of the highway.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has announced that effective at the end of July, 2018 all 140 intersection safety cameras in our province will be operational at all times. The Intersection Camera Safety Program has also increased its staff to review incidents and process additional tickets in a timely manner.

Twice in the last few days I have found oncoming drivers encroaching on my lane. My thought is that they were either unable or too lazy to bother with staying completely between the lines. In this and other common driving situations, almost is NOT good enough!

Just listened to this great interview between an active defense lawyer and a retired traffic officer.

The case of R v Tannhauser involves the use of a cell phone app that prevents making a cellular phone call while driving. Initially Mr. Tannhauser's defence was successful after receiving a distracted driving ticket but it did not survive after examination in the BC Court of Appeal.