RESEARCH - Are Graduated Licensing Programs Effective?

TIRF LogoThe Traffic Injury Research Foundation has released a report titled "An evaluation of graduated driver licensing programs in North America." The report concludes that graduated licensing reduces a 16 year old's chance of a fatal collision by 19%, chiefly by reducing the number of people in the vehicle driven by the teen. Negligible effects were seen for drivers in the 17 to 19 year old age groups.

The Parking Brake

Parking BrakeThinking back over my years of doing mechanical inspections at the roadside, one of the most common deficiencies in older vehicles was a parking brake that was either seriously out of adjustment or didn't function at all. Also known as an emergency brake, this mechanical alternative to your hydraulic braking system really has two jobs: providing emergency braking in the event of brake failure and holding your vehicle stationary when it is parked. Will your parking brake be up to the job?

Demonstration Licence Plates

demonstration plateChances are, if you've ever gone to a car dealership and test driven a vehicle, you were driving a vehicle equipped with demonstration license plates. The license plates are commonly known as dealer plates and may be attached to any vehicle owned by or under sale consignment to the dealer intended for use by a customer.

Q&A - Blacked Out Insurance Papers

Q&A ImageI've read an article advising that you should carry a photocopy of your vehicle licence with your name and address blacked out. If the vehicle was stolen with the keys or garage door opener in it, the thieves would not have easy access to your home and address. It went on to say that all the info that the police require would be on your drivers licence. Is this a good idea?

CASE LAW - R v Dhaliwal

BC Courts Coat of ArmsIn this case Mr. Dhaliwal struck a 77 year old pedestrian and then failed to remain and render assistance as required. The pedestrian, Douglas Hull, came to rest under a van and was not discovered for about 25 minutes. He was conscious and alert when found but later died in hospital. The occupants of Mr.

Open Liquor in a Motor Vehicle

Drinking and Driving CounterAttack logoOn a sunny afternoon patrol one weekend I stopped a vehicle that had been exceeding the speed limit. As I approached, I could see two gray haired women in the front and two men of the same vintage in the rear of the car. I could also see a partially consumed cold beer in the hand of each of the men, who made no attempt to hide them from me.