Unsafe Driving Practices

Information related to unsafe driving practices.

Q&A - Pushing Me To Go Faster

Question: motorcycleI was on a motorcycle trip a few years ago with a friend , and was riding about 10 km/h faster on a two lane highway and cars were still pushing me to go faster. There was a solid line so no passing as well there were also curves to consider. The shoulder was loose gravel and for me to pull over each time the cars formed a pack behind me I would slow down and pull off to let them go.

Dashcam Video Used as Evidence

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThe case of Huettner v Lo involves an unsafe lane change made by the driver of a white Kia Rondo in front of a transit bus  that was northbound on Burrard Street in the HOV-dedicated far right lane beside the Hotel Vancouver sidewalk, approaching Georgia Street. Dashcam video was enhanced to identify that vehicle's licence number.

Night Driving Glasses

Night Driving GlassesI've had a couple of regular correspondents ask me recently about night driving glasses. These glasses have yellow lenses and are supposed to cut glare and increase contrast allowing you to see better in the darkness. After a bit of research, it appears that using these glasses is not a good idea.

Driving Over a Fire Hose

image of fire hose on streetImagine that you are a firefighter, hose in hand, approaching the flames inside a burning building. You open the nozzle on your attack line and...nothing. Someone has driven over the hose outside in the street and ruptured it causing a loss of pressure.

Pets and Air Bags

Pets Don't DriveOur lap dog loves to go for car rides! She's generous too because you are more than welcome to sit underneath her in the right front seat. The trouble is, this is definitely not a good place for pets to ride in the car.

Stunting

image of a motorcycle rider stuntingThere is a time and a place for everything, but stunting in traffic on the streets and highways of British Columbia isn't it. In addition to issuing expensive traffic tickets to these drivers, police are also required to impound the stunt vehicle.

Racing to a Red Light

image of a Red LightWe've all seen it and I'll bet that we all talk about them, drivers who race us to the next red light. Here they come, weaving through traffic, going over the speed limit and pass by us just in time to stop for the same red light that we do. These drivers put us all at risk to gain nothing and demonstrate their inability to plan ahead.

Taking the Wrong Cue

image of a red traffic lightWe take many of our driving cues from what is happening around us when we are in traffic. If we are paying attention and watching for the correct cues all goes well. Stop paying full attention to the driving task, accidentally take the wrong cue and you can easily cause a collision.