Bigger & Harman - May 2023

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Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS , APC BIGGER

THE DAILY DRIVER Attorneys Defending Your Right to the Road

MAY 2023

TO OUR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY Thank You for Your Sacrifices and Bravery

If you walk along the street, eat at a restaurant, drive down the road, or enter a store, you will likely come across someone who has served or is currently serving in our military. According to The Soldier’s Project, if you combine all military personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, we have a military of about 2.4 million people on active duty or in the reserves. Our armed forces play a pivotal role in ensuring we continue to have freedoms and rights. Because of these brave men and women, we can travel when we want and express ourselves freely. To us, these rights seem normal — everyone should be able to have freedom. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. There are billions of people worldwide who are under the control of a tyrannical government. The civilians in these countries do not have the right to speak out against the government, create businesses to provide for their families, or protect themselves against hardships. When you look at the opportunities we have in America and compare them to other parts of the world, you’ll notice that we are very fortunate. Although we will go through hardships and may not agree with one another on politics, we have one thing that millions of others don’t have — freedom. And we wouldn’t have freedom without our military. They risk their lives each day so we can continue living our lives as we want. If it weren’t for our armed forces, our daily lives would look drastically different.

I remember hearing stories about their experiences in boot camp, getting stationed in other states or parts of the world, and the things they’ve seen while serving. But they weren’t the only ones who impacted me — many of our truckers also served in the military. It’s an absolute honor to be able to serve all our truckers and to give back to them in any way I can. However, there will never be a big enough “thank you” to cover everything our truckers do for me and others (especially those who are veterans). I want to do more for our truckers, veterans, and others who served our great country. For those who are veterans and are now truck drivers, Veterans In Trucking is a fantastic organization that helps network veterans with truck companies. They also provide opportunities for veterans to meet other truckers and connect with them through outdoor adventures. Please go to VeteransInTrucking.com for more information. In California, we have thousands of veterans. Unfortunately, California has the highest rate of homelessness among this group of people. In 2022, about 10,400 veterans were homeless and needed services to help them transition back into society. Our veterans deserve to have our support. If you or someone you know requires assistance after leaving the military, please go to CalVet.CA.gov/CalVet-Programs/Veteran-Services for information on assistance programs. There are opportunities for housing, transition assistance programs, mental health programs, incarceration assistance, and more available to you. If you would like to volunteer and help our veterans, please go to CalVet. CA.gov/VetServices/Pages/Volunteering.aspx for more information. To those who have served or are currently serving our great nation, thank you. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. Your strength and courage will never be forgotten and you have our thanks.

Have a grateful and meaningful Memorial Day with your loved ones!

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for our military. My grandfather, dad, and uncle served in the military.

–Mark Bigger

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On the night of New Year’s Eve in 2014, a group of burglars experienced the fright of a lifetime. Expecting to rob a quiet home in Derby, England, the intruders instead came face to snout with Ludwig, a 240-pound potbellied pig. Abandoning all thoughts of crime once they spotted the pig, the burglars instantly fled the scene and ran for their lives. The “hero ham” had already become a popular figure in his town and was well-loved for his gentle demeanor. In fact, Michael Maughan, Ludwig’s owner, is confident that Ludwig wouldn’t have harmed the intruders, even if he does look quite intimidating. Local officers believe the robbers must have heard Ludwig’s Rottweiler-like “growl” and immediately hit the road, leaving the door wide open behind them. The story of this heroic potbellied pig became a sensation throughout Europe. Countless fans have applauded the Canadian-born hog for his loyalty to his owners. But the owners want to ensure people understand that Ludwig would

never hurt anyone. Some fabricated web stories made Ludwig sound more dangerous than he is, so Maughan spoke to the Toronto Star to dispute any defamations against Ludwig’s kindness. “He’s being painted as a vicious creature when he’s actually quite a sweet animal,” he explained. “He didn’t exactly bare his tusks and charge, I don’t think. I think he got absolutely, ‘Arrgh,’ and they just ran for it.” In fact, Maughan detailed that after a two-month separation during their move to England, the pig shed tears during their reunion. Adorable and affectionate, Ludwig would have probably become friends with the intruders in no time. Even if his “bark” is worse than his bite, Ludwig succeeded in keeping his owners safe while also protecting their home. This 240-pound potbellied pig continues to enjoy his comfortable home in Derby and is considered a town hero. Anyone looking for a guard dog may want to consider a hefty hog instead!

A Ham-Fisted Attempt at Robbery

INTRUDERS FLEE FROM LUDWIG THE PIG

SMILE! YOU’RE ON VIDEO! 3 BENEFITS OF TRUCK DASH CAMERAS

THEY CAN DETER THEFT AND VANDALISM. If you have to park your truck and leave it overnight, you may be worried about thieves stealing your items or vandalizing your vehicle. However, your dash camera is like an extra set of eyes. If someone gets too close to the truck, the sensors activate the camera and begin recording. This can act as a deterrent for burglars. Still, if something of yours is stolen or damaged, you will have video evidence to help law enforcement catch the perpetrators. So, while many truckers have issues with driver-facing cameras, for valid reasons, there are some benefits that can protect you as you continue to transport your load. If you have any questions about dash cameras, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

As many of you know, by law, all truck drivers must have a driver-facing camera inside their trucks while working. Some truckers have vocalized their concerns about these dash cameras and how they can invade their privacy. Quite frankly, no one should have video surveillance for most of their waking hours. But the law is here. While there are dozens of reasons why you may not want a driver-facing camera in your truck, we wanted to cheer you up a bit and share some benefits these cameras can have for truckers.

you, the sensors will notify the camera to record. If the video highlights a mistake that truckers tend to make, instructors can point it out and offer strategies for other drivers to prevent the error from occurring. Likewise, if your truck sensors go off and you’re able to get out of a situation correctly, your good judgment can also be used to train others! THEY CAN HELP PREVENT TRAFFIC TICKETS. Dash cameras can provide a clear and accurate record of the events leading up to the accident. It can show the truck’s speed, the distance between other vehicles, and any sudden stops or moves the truck driver or other drivers make. This information can be used in court to determine who is at fault, provide evidence for insurance claims, and clarify the situation for investigators.

DASH CAMERAS HELP TRAIN OTHER DRIVERS.

There are sensors around your truck that notify your camera if it detects specific movements. For example, if you’re too close to a vehicle beside or in front of

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For years, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have been taking steps to improve the safety of commercial trucking operations. Recently, DOT and FMCSA implemented a new regulation called the Entry Level Driver Training Rule. Although a 6-year-old law introduced the new standard called Moving Ahead Progress in the 21st Century Act in December 2016, the latest regulation was implemented in February 2023. SO, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR NEW DRIVERS AND THEIR FLEETS? If new truck and bus drivers want to receive their commercial driver’s license (CDL), they must undergo at least 30 hours of training. This includes classroom and behind-the-wheel (BTW) training. Students will learn about various topics, such as vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, driving in different weather conditions, and proper communication with other drivers while on the road. DOT and FMCSA implemented the Entry Level Driver Training Rule as a way to improve road safety. They wanted all new drivers to understand the processes they must complete prior to operating heavy vehicles on public roads. The training aims to reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall safety of the trucking industry. Furthermore, the feds say that the new regulation will equip new truck or bus drivers with the skills and knowledge they need to start their careers. Additionally, the trainers who teach new drivers must be certified by FMCSA and maintain records of all the training they provide. This helps ensure that the training is consistent and of the highest quality. What Is the Entry Level Driver Training Rule? NEW FMCSA AND DOT REGULATION

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION

Thanks to your 68 referrals in March, we were able to donate $1,360 to fight human trafficking. To learn more about International Justice Mission, please go to IJM.org. MISSION: To protect the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Our long-term vision is to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice for the poor unstoppable.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

HOW WILL THE DMV IMPLEMENT THE NEW REGULATION IN CALIFORNIA? The DMV will require all Class A or B CDL applicants to complete 30 hours of training and submit their records to the DMV by going through the Virtual Field Office and the CA Commercial Driver BTW Certification. However, if you’re from the Troops to Trucks program for military veterans, you do not have to go through the entry level training if you submit the DL 965 waiver.

ROMANS 15:13

If you have any questions regarding the Entry Level Driver Training Rule, go to DMV.CA.gov/Protal/Vehicle-Industry-Services/Occupational- Licenses/Employer-Testing-Program-ETP-2 or TPR.FMCSA.DOT.gov for more information.

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, APC HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS BIGGER

Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com

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1701 Westwind Drive Suite 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Let’s Give Back to Our Veterans!...................... PAGE 1

Potbellied Pig Terrifies Burglars....................... PAGE 2

Do Truckers Benefit from Driver-Facing Cameras?................................................................ PAGE 2

All New Drivers Must Go Through This Training!.......................................................... PAGE 3

Healthy Fats Exist Too........................................ PAGE 4

Have a ticket in California? Give us a call, and we’ll help you out! Regardless of the location, we can point you in the right direction free of charge!

FAT IS NOT EVIL: IT CAN BE HEALTHY!

WHY ARE HEALTHY FATS VITAL AS WE AGE? 1. They aren’t fattening fats.

Everyone wants to be fit and trim, and many avoid all fats because of this. However, healthy fats are vital for aging bodies. Fat keeps your brain functioning optimally, provides energy, and helps your body absorb minerals and vitamins to maintain your health. When making dietary choices, it’s important to remember that healthy fats are your friend and, when consumed in the recommended amounts, will not lead to weight complications. WHAT ARE HEALTHY FATS? Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help our bodies feel full and work to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. These fats improve blood glucose and insulin levels, lower LDL cholesterol, and keep our heart healthy. Also, eating healthy fats is easy — they’re in tuna, salmon, flaxseed, chia seeds, eggs, avocados, nuts, olive oil, yogurt, and tofu.

just be careful not to consume too much, as omega-3s can become fattening when consumed in excess. 3. They boost brain function. Healthy fats play an essential role in our brain function and development. Your brain is roughly 60% fat, and it’s important to note that your brain cells rely on a steady supply of good fats to operate correctly. 4. They provide energy. Healthy fats combat fatigue and provide your body with energy. When we consume omega-3s, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, our body absorbs them and converts each calorie into energy for our cells to function. So, remember when you’re planning your meals for the week: Good fats keep you healthy!

When you think of fats, your mind likely immediately turns to weight gain. However, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, when consumed in proper amounts, help with fat loss and maintaining a healthy weight. To trim down, eliminate unhealthy saturated and trans fats from your diet instead. Trans fats are those that are partially hydrogenated and are common in processed foods. 2. They reduce inflammation. Omega-3s, a polyunsaturated fat, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help your body heal faster. No matter how much exercise you do, combating inflammation with your diet is beneficial. Omega-3s can even be taken as fish oil supplements if you can’t work it into your diet. However,

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