skidmark
07-06-2005, 09:41 PM
Using the Highway as a Work Area
Short of a collision, one of the worst things that happens to us as we travel from place to place is having our vehicle break down on us. Most of us opt to call a tow truck and have the problem repaired by professionals. However, some of us prefer to do it ourselves and have a tool kit handy to make minor repairs on the spot.
Making emergency repairs at the side of the road can be a dangerous operation, especially if you are not in a position for approaching traffic to see you easily. Carrying a set of reflective triangles or flares to protect yourself in a case like this is almost as important as having the tool kit. If it is possible, stop or roll the vehicle well off the travelled portion of the highway. If you cannot do this, it may be wiser to call the tow truck instead of saving the money. If you are hit while working, you haven't saved anything.
If the repairs are not necessary because of an emergency you must not stop, stand or park your vehicle on the highway advertising, greasing, painting, wrecking, storing or repairing it. In fact, on a schedule 1 highway such as the Inland Island Highway, the Coquihalla, Okanagan Connector or freeway portion of highway 1, you cannot be a pedestrian at all unless you are attending to a disabled vehicle.
Vehicles that have been abandoned on a provincial public highway for a period of more than 72 hours may be removed by the Minister of Transportation. Costs for removal are the responsibility of the person who abandoned the vehicle or, in absence of proof to the contrary, the last registered owner of the vehicle. Filling out fully and keeping a copy of the transfer paper when you sell a vehicle might be useful in these circumstances.
Short of a collision, one of the worst things that happens to us as we travel from place to place is having our vehicle break down on us. Most of us opt to call a tow truck and have the problem repaired by professionals. However, some of us prefer to do it ourselves and have a tool kit handy to make minor repairs on the spot.
Making emergency repairs at the side of the road can be a dangerous operation, especially if you are not in a position for approaching traffic to see you easily. Carrying a set of reflective triangles or flares to protect yourself in a case like this is almost as important as having the tool kit. If it is possible, stop or roll the vehicle well off the travelled portion of the highway. If you cannot do this, it may be wiser to call the tow truck instead of saving the money. If you are hit while working, you haven't saved anything.
If the repairs are not necessary because of an emergency you must not stop, stand or park your vehicle on the highway advertising, greasing, painting, wrecking, storing or repairing it. In fact, on a schedule 1 highway such as the Inland Island Highway, the Coquihalla, Okanagan Connector or freeway portion of highway 1, you cannot be a pedestrian at all unless you are attending to a disabled vehicle.
Vehicles that have been abandoned on a provincial public highway for a period of more than 72 hours may be removed by the Minister of Transportation. Costs for removal are the responsibility of the person who abandoned the vehicle or, in absence of proof to the contrary, the last registered owner of the vehicle. Filling out fully and keeping a copy of the transfer paper when you sell a vehicle might be useful in these circumstances.