What is a traffic control device?
July 13, 2009 by Tim Schewe
Filed under Feature stories, Safety, Travel
Traffic cones alert drivers to a hazard and convey a traffic control message. (Photo by Downtowngal / Wikimedia)
Behind the Wheel –
Amid the chaos of a collision scene this afternoon came a call over the police radio: “grab that vehicle, it just drove around the cones and into oncoming traffic!” Not only did the emergency workers have to deal with a two vehicle collision in an intersection full of emergency vehicles, they also had to contend with drivers who were going through no matter what. The line of cones blocking the lane might not have been seen as something the driver needed to take meaning from in this situation.
A traffic control device can be many things including: a sign, signal, line, meter, marking, space, barrier or device. In this case, the cones would be considered a device and when placed across the lane are a traffic control device that bars traffic from proceeding. Failing to obey them may place yourself or others at risk and could result in the issue of a violation ticket.
Everyone must wear seatbelts
June 25, 2009 by Tim Schewe
Filed under Feature stories, Freedom, Safety, Travel
Photo by Jusmar / Wikimedia Commons
Behind the Wheel –
Taxi drivers in British Columbia are exempt from wearing their seatbelts if they are travelling at less than 70 km/h. I have never understood why this exemption was necessary, particularly in light of the fact that doing so actually endangers their passengers. No one in a vehicle that I drive is exempt from wearing their seatbelt and I have been able to convince my taxi driver to follow suit.
