Collisions

Information regarding collisions.

CASE LAW - Ferguson v Yang

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case involves a collision that occurred in a school zone between vehicles parking at the curb. Mr. Ferguson had pulled over parallel to the curb and was preparing to back up and provide more room for others to park. Mr. Yang made a U turn from the other side of the street intending to pull in behind Mr. Ferguson and struck the Ferguson vehicle causing minor damage.

Q&A - Escaping From a Submerged Vehicle

submarineWhen younger, I learned how to drive on a standard and crank-by-hand windows. Flash ahead forty years, automation has taken over the vehicles. Purchased a newer vehicle in 2008 to travel around. It had all the buttons. Some buttons I did not feel comfortable for safety reasons such as the automatic locks and windows.

CASE LAW - MacKnight v Nast

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis incident took place at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Gosworth Road in Victoria. Lisa MacKnight was crossing in the crosswalk following the directions of the pedestrian controlled signals as Ryan Nast approached riding a bicycle. Mr. Nast passed stopped traffic on the right hand side and intended to go through the intersection on the red until he saw Ms. MacKnight step into the crosswalk. He tried to brake but was not successful and struck her causing significant injury to her.

CASE LAW - Lutter v Smithson

BC Courts Coat of ArmsGlen and Tralee Mazu's daughter Brianne held a 19th birthday party with their consent on family property. A minor guest, Dallas Smithson, became very drunk and eventually drove away from the party in a borrowed vehicle. He collided with a taxi, killing the taxi driver and injuring the passenger, Jeremy Lutter.

VIDEO - Denial

VideoThis is another video from the Australian Transport Accident Commission of Victoria state. Denial is the winner of the 2005 Make a Film, Make a Difference competition. The competition is designed to encourage young film makers to submit an idea that will make their mates think twice before taking risks on the road.

How Big is BC's Collision Problem?

Intersection CrashEvery year on the first of January I restart the collision counter on the DriveSmartBC web site. In order to try and keep it accurate I check ICBC's latest collision statistics, calculate the daily average and tweak the code that produces the display. This year, I can't get data on the number of people injured by impaired drivers. I'm sure that you will agree that it is an important statistic to know.

CASE LAW - Russell v Parks

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis is the story of Lenord Russell, who exited a bakery in a mall and walked forward into a parking stall at the same time that Kenneth Parks drove into it to park his vehicle. A collision occurred in which Mr. Russell suffered injury to his knee and foot. The case before the court was to decide who was liable for the collision and discusses first that the mall parking lot is a highway and then goes on to examine the duties that Mr. Russell and Mr. Parks had to each other as pedestrian and driver.

After the Fender Bender

Intersection CrashToday it almost seems like having a minor collision is only important to those who actually collide and their insurance company. There is no requirement to report a collision to the police and other motorists can't wait for you to get out of their way.