Shoulder Check

Q: I was hurt in an MVA last year. My neck and back have been hurt. My traffic question is, if my neck and back hurt too much to do a shoulder check should I be driving? ICBC will not pay for a taxi for me even to get to my doctor appointments. If I get into another MVA due to the fact I can not shoulder check, does that make me responsible for that MVA?? Or is ICBC responsible because I can not pay for a taxi to get me to my doctor appointments?

A: I have suffered neck and back injuries over my many years work and due to my injuries, driving and making a proper shoulder check became a concern.

I spoke to my father about it and his suggestion worked like a charm. There is a small convex style mirror that can be purchased at most hardware stores that sell automotive accessories. This mirror has a sticky tape which will stay attached to your side view mirror. The idea of a convex mirror is that it will assist the driver to see into the blind spots on the side of a vehicle. Obviously there is no replacement for a proper shoulder check, but this style of mirror does take the guess work out of a possible vehicle hidden in your blind spot.

Each person who drives a vehicle on a roadway is ultimately responsible to drive in a manner that does not cause a collision. Try the convex mirror and practice in your driveway. Put an object in the blind spot of your vehicle and see if the mirror works to eliminate all blind spots on your vehicle. I think you will find it will work very well.

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

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