The Armpit Belt

Seatbelt graphicTwo women once appeared for trial on on of my traffic court dates. Both were disputing a ticket for failing to wear a seat belt under section 220(4) of the Motor Vehicle Act. They each testified that they were wearing their seat belt, but had placed the shoulder belt under their arms.

VIDEO - What Should An Electric Car Sound Like?

VideoElectric cars are extremely quiet, offering some welcome silence in our cities. But they also bring new dangers, since they can easily sneak up on unsuspecting pedestrians. What kind of sounds should they make to keep people safe? Get a preview of what the future may sound like as acoustic engineer and musician Renzo Vitale shows how he's composing a voice for electric cars.

Q&A - Overkill for a Broken Windshield?

Q&A ImageI got a Ticket for "Improperly Equipt Vehicle" under the MVA 219(1). For a Fine of $109. And a order to get my vehicle a Safety Inspection. I have a 2010 GMC Sierra that I keep in excellent shape in all respects. The Officer did not Specify any defects on my Ticket. How can I prepare a defenceman without notice of the law?

Also the Officer did not write his name on the ticket.

Stopped by the Police - What do I do Now?

Police VehicleWe live in a wonderful country where violence is still something relatively rare. If we are stopped by the police we tend not to worry and dig out our driver's license and vehicle registration wherever it might be in the vehicle. Some people even get out and walk back to the police car to see what is going on. These actions are meant to be polite and save time but today are not the right thing to do.

CASE LAW - Uy v Dhillon

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case resolves liability for a collision between a car driven by Johnberlyn Uy and a tractor-trailer combination driven by Daljit Singh Dhillon on the Coquihalla Highway just west of the Zopkios brake check. The collision occurred in the early morning hours of January 31, 2014 following a winter storm. At that time the road conditions were relatively good, consisting of a light coat of a mixture of compact snow and sand.

NEWS - Party Bus Rule Changes

party busRecent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act have strengthened the protection for minors who use a party bus. Beginning last April 1, if a minor is on board the bus there must be at least one certified safety monitor that is not the driver present. In addition, the minor must have written consent from their legal guardian.

The Psychology of Speeding

speed demonThis must be speed week as I have heard from two drivers who are having difficulty following the speed limits and one who knew that he was speeding and wanted advice to plan his ticket dispute.  The three situations give some insight into how the pressures of every day driving encourage us to disobey.

GUEST - Warning Wildlife by Using Your Horn

Deer Crossing SignMulti-lane highways are not wildlife viewing areas. Using them as such puts the animals, yourself, and other road users at significant risk.

Traveling north by motorcycle from Vernon around 6:20 am Saturday morning. Near the weigh scales, 90 km/h zone, 2 lanes northbound, with concrete barrier adjacent to the left lane. I noted an SUV in front of me in the right lane slowing, and then stopping.