Miscellaneous

For my final article of 2024 I turned to social media and asked people there what they thought were important road safety issues to review. Within a very short time I had five suggestions to write about.

It is not uncommon to watch a vehicle pull up in the parking lot of a service station or convenience store and watch the driver get out and walk inside, leaving the vehicle unlocked, idling and unsecured. What better opportunity for a car thief or joyrider can a person provide?

Do you struggle to adjust to the road conditions as the weather changes in the lead up to winter? Daylight hours decrease, traction conditions change rapidly and slower speeds may be necessary to remain safe. Make sure that all your lights are on when necessary and let's drive for the season.

When I was posted to Fort St. John detachment, the decision was easy, our family car had four studded winter tires. Once I was transferred to Penticton, these tires went with the car when we traded it in and we used all season tires throughout the year.

Question: What is the protocol for passengers paying for gas if there is one? If someone offers to help pay for the gas and they give you the money right away, could they sue you in the case of an accident? If they pay at the end of the trip is that different?

Short of a collision, one of the worst things that happens to us as we travel from place to place is having our vehicle break down on us. Most of us opt to call a tow truck and have the problem repaired by professionals rather than doing the work on the side of the road.

This is an article on etiquette and consideration for others that has little to do with safety, and everything to do with respect. I was asked to write on the subject of funeral processions by the friend of a family whose members were upset at the lack of thought shown by other drivers entering and leaving the procession to the cemetery.

Being caught in traffic behind a vehicle that is belching clouds of foul smelling smoke from the exhaust is not a pleasant experience. Clean air should be everyone's worry, will your vehicle make the grade?

Question: I'm in the process of buying a suspension lift for my vehicle and was curious about bumper headlight heights so I can remain legal. I have done some of my own research but all the info I've found is from years ago, and I'm curious if laws have changed.