Backing Onto Roads

Q: I live on Springfield Road where the new four lane project has provided some problems for me. Is it or is it not illegal to back on to a four lane road?? The problem I have is, very seldom is it possible to back into my driveway, though I do try as often as possible for my own safety when attempting to get back on to Springfield.

So when leaving my house by backing out, I use the rather large median painted in the middle of the road to back in to, then wait until it's safe to proceed in the right hand lane. I've been doing this for almost two years as have most of my guests. Just last night I was pulled over by the police for suspicion of being impaired for using this maneuver. Although I was not given a ticket for unsafe driving.... I would like to know what my options are supposed to be for coming and going from my residence.

A: I understand your concern. Backing out of any driveway onto a very busy road makes the maneuver dangerous sometimes. It is not against the law for you to back onto Springfield Road. The onus is always on the driver which is backing up to do so in a safe manner. The maneuver of backing into the painted median is a safe maneuver, however, it sometimes confuses other drivers who are unable to think beyond the hood of their vehicle.

Caution in backing vehicle
Section 193 of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that the driver of a vehicle must not cause the vehicle to move backwards into an intersection or over a crosswalk, and must not in any event or at any place cause a vehicle to move backwards unless the movement can be made in safety.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.