How Far Can You See When Driving at Night?

Low Beam PatternFreeways in British Columbia are governed by posted speed limits of up to 120 km/h and for the most part are only lit by a driver's headlights at night. The opposing lanes are fairly close together and require the use of low beam headlamps when other traffic approaches. When the highway is busy drivers are often forced to travel long distances on low beam. How safe is this at 120 km/h?

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES - Trip Inspection Standard

Truck TractorProfessional drivers of commercial vehicles (as defined in the National Safety Code) are required to do both pre- and post-trip inspections of their vehicles on a daily basis. The list of items to be checked is extensive and is set out in a document created by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators. The document also sets out the criteria that defines an out of service condition until that problem is repaired.

Are Collisions an Acceptable Risk of Driving?

Intersection CrashCollisions have not been required by law to be reported to the police for quite some time now. In many municipalities today the police don't even attend collisions unless someone has been hurt or killed. Instead, the fire department may show up and the firefighters help participants exchange information and clear the scene.

CASE LAW - Singh v British Columbia

BC Courts Coat of ArmsOn September 12, 2007, the plaintiff, Mr. Prem Singh, was travelling northbound on Scott Road (also known as 120th Street) in Surrey, B.C. As Mr. Singh went through the intersection, he hit a westbound RCMP vehicle driven by Constable Kerri Parrish who was responding to an emergency call of a man with a knife threatening to stab a child.

Q&A - Improperly Deemed Convicted

Q&A ImageHello. When I received the ticket I disputed immediately. The officer could not give me an answer to my question regarding  my drivers log book. I did what the letter said and replied as not guilty and the full reasons why. I was never sent a response and thought it was done. I should have followed up. I just seen it on my credit report and am wondering what I can do. I will  pay it if needed.

RESOURCE - Brain on Board

Brain LogoToday's vehicles are very complex machines that I'm willing to bet few of us read the operator's manual for. The active and passive safety systems in them can do a better job of protecting us if we understand how they work. The Brain on Board web site is full of written and video information to help you become comfortable with all of the high tech safety systems in your vehicle.

CASE LAW - R v Westgate

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case is an appeal of a conviction for excessive speeding. Gary Westgate was measured using a laser speed measuring device at 96 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone. At issue was a document concerning a device used to measure the output of the laser device itself. The certificate had expired in April of 2006..

VIDEO - Night Shift

VideoIf you spent any amount of time looking around the DriveSmartBC web site, you will probably guess that I really like the Australian traffic safety videos. They don't pull any punches and deliver their messages well. This one, on the danger of driving while impaired by fatigue, is no different.