Dear Editor:
This letter is in response to Daniel Brownell's letter to the editor, Driving by the Book Can Be Costly (North Shore News, Aug. 3).
I suggest Mr. Brownell read the "book" again. When turning right on a red light, the law states the driver must come to a full stop and proceed when it is safe to do so. If vehicles are (or may be) turning on an advanced-arrow green into the outside lane, regardless of the fact they do not have the right to do so, it is not safe to proceed with your turn.
When driving, it's not enough to rely on others' driving courteously and observing the rules of the road. We must anticipate, and - unfortunately - expect, that drivers will not always follow the rules and drive with courtesy toward others on the road. This is called "defensive driving."
It's unfortunate Mr. Brownell ended up "having had to pay for a couple of accidents which weren't my fault. . . ." However, as I have always said: It doesn't matter much if you had the right of way, if you or those riding with you are seriously injured or killed.
As such, Mr. Brownell should learn his lesson and be thankful that only his vehicle was damaged. As with many things in our society, just because one has the "right" to do something does not mean one should.
Steve Keffer North Vancouver
