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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 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD! We Finally Made It to Ireland! In 2020, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! This is a huge milestone, and we wanted to do something special to commemorate the occasion. My sister, Rachelle, and I began brainstorming what we could do together. Our parents had traveled to places like Germany when my dad was in the military, but once raising us kids became the focus, traveling across the pond became a distant dream for them. However, Rachelle and I would travel abroad and bring back stories and pictures to tell. What better way to celebrate a half century of marriage than to have your kids show you a place you have never gone before? My sister suggested we should go to Ireland — she’s been there half a dozen times and loves the country very much. I’d been to Ireland once before this trip, and I loved it as well! After we had weighed several other options, Ireland won out and Rachelle painstakingly made wonderful plans and arrangements for the perfect trip.
JULY 2023
We were all so excited to jump on a plane and fly off to Ireland … but things didn’t go as planned.
I drove around the last time I was in Ireland, and my passengers were terrified! So this time around, I was determined to redeem myself. And while my driving skills on the left side of the road did improve, concentration was required! My dad and I got headaches the first day. My mind kept telling me to drive toward the right side of the lane, because depth perception was challenged by the steering wheel on the right side of the car. Trying to go against something that feels innate and natural was so challenging. But we got the hang of it — after the first 500 miles or so — and the last 1,300 miles of driving was much less terrifying. Overall, the trip was absolutely amazing, and I’m so happy I got to go with my parents. This is definitely a journey we will never forget. I hope I get to chauffeur them around someplace amazing on their 60th anniversary.
Our initial plan was to leave in May 2020, but we were in the middle of the pandemic. So, we had to postpone our trip. Although it took us three years, we finally made it to Ireland, and it was such a great experience! My parents enjoyed their time there; we even were able spend a few days in Scotland on the back end of the trip! My sister, brother-in-law, and my awesome nephew and nieces had to leave early because they needed to attend to other responsibilities back home. I suspect she was also pretty tired after planning out our sightseeing intinerary plus meals and lodging. We traveled up north to the Causeway of the Giants, to Malim Head, then across to the coast, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, back through to Ireland to Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, Cork, and then Dublin. As someone who thinks a lot about driving, what stands out to me are the roads in Ireland. They are so narrow! Like many of you reading this, my dad is a professional driver. So, you would think he would want to drive, right? Well, if we weren’t on the freeway, he wanted nothing to do with it. And I understand why — it’s trippy! The steering wheel was on the right side, and you have to drive on the left side of the road, which is vastly different from how we navigate in the U.S.
–Mark Bigger
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AN UNCONVENTIONAL ‘BACON’ OF HOPE
THE STORY OF THE DANISH PROTEST PIG
In the 19th century, Denmark and Prussia couldn’t agree on where to draw their border. Both countries refused to concede or couldn’t reach an agreement on which country would ultimately control Southern Jutland, which today is Germany’s northernmost state called Schleswig-Holstein. This refusal to compromise ultimately led to war, and in 1848, Denmark won control. However, their victory was short-lived, as roughly a decade later, the Second Schleswig War was underway. This time, though, Prussia was victorious. After their victory, the Prussian authorities slowly began to move into the peninsula, implementing new laws over the Danes living there. These new laws prohibited anything Danish, including all uses of the Danish flag. Needless to say, the Danes were not happy — especially the farmers. These Danish farmers knew they had to protest this oppressive Prussian government, but they couldn’t just publicly wave the Danish flag. So, they got crafty. Danish farmers began to crossbreed their pigs to create a new breed, one that had the same markings as
the Danish flag. These pigs were red in color, with one white vertical stripe and one white horizontal stripe. The farmers named their new pigs Protestschwein, or the Danish Protest Pig. This protest pig quickly became the mascot of Danish cultural independence, and their efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Prussian authorities. In 1881, a local Prussian police station sent communications back to the government in Berlin that farmers were breeding strange-looking pigs. However, while they could not prove that farmers were knowingly breeding the pigs to look like the Danish flag, “it was believed that the farmers were well aware of this and that this pig represented an affront to the Prussians,” according to records from the Red Holstein Breeders Association.
Today, the Danish Protest Pig is recognized as its own breed but has a different name: the Husum Red Pied. And, the now-German state of Schleswig-Holstein supports the protection of this pig due to the cultural significance it offered its Danish ancestors so many years ago.
YOU HAVE FREEDOMS AND LIBERTIES! 3 Rights Every Trucker and Trucking Company Should Know
As truck drivers, you have rights that protect you while on the road. Unfortunately, while you’re taught the rules you must follow during training, truck driver rights are hardly covered. Whether you’re a first-time driver or a seasoned trucker, it’s vital you know the laws that protect you and your well-being. Conversely, most trucking companies want to do the right thing. Here are three things you should know.
regulations, and any drug or alcohol testing rules. 2. You inform them that their request is illegal and creates hazardous driving conditions. 3. The receiver, shipper, or transporter threatens your employment if you refuse to agree to their request. GET PAID FOR WORKING OVERTIME. By law, trucking companies and carriers must follow wage and overtime laws. In California, the maximum hours you can drive a day is 11 to 14 hours. If you work overtime or extra days, you’re entitled to compensation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Please visit DOL.gov/Agencies/WHD or call 866-487- 9243 to know if the exemption applies to you. TAKE TIME OFF! Truckers can be out on the road for weeks at a time. And it can be frustrating if you request time off and your dispatcher or carrier “forgot” to approve it. However,
there are some ways for you to ensure you have these days off. You should check your contract terms and conditions to see if it outlines time off requirements. Additionally, ask for time off approval in writing and store it in your records if you need to use them to remind your employer about your off days. As for employers, California and the federal government put a lot on your plate to comply with. The vast majority of the companies that work with us to keep their drivers’ records clean are fair to their truckers. Treating drivers well gives you a little grace if you miss something and also makes you work harder to make sure truckers get everything they are entitled to. At Bigger & Harman, we value you, your time, and your rights. If you’re facing any legal trouble in traffic court, please don’t hesitate to call us. We will be more than happy to review your case and speak on your behalf in court. Allow us to take some stress off your shoulders during this time.
YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST COERCION.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) adopted the Prohibiting Coercion of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers rule in 2016. An act is considered to be coercion if all of the following instances occur:
1. A carrier, receiver, shipper, or transporter asks you to do something that violates
state or federal laws, FMSCA rules, hours of service (HOS) regulations, commercial driver’s license (CDL)
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Have you ever heard of a “California Stop?” It’s a term used to describe when a vehicle driver fails to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. While drivers in other states perform this same action, it’s called the “California Stop” because it’s a common traffic offense in our state. Although it’s common for many drivers — not just truckers — to not fully stop at stop signs, the offense can be costly if you’re pulled over and receive a ticket. California Vehicle Code 22450 (CVC) requires all vehicles approaching a stop sign to stop. There are also specific places you must stop depending on if you’re approaching a crosswalk, intersection, or railroad crossing. You must come to a complete stop — rolling stops are prohibited. Failure to stop at a stop sign has a base fine of $35. Doesn’t seem too bad, right? Well, this doesn’t include county and state surcharges, penalties, fees, and court costs. In total, you could be paying a fine of around $230-$250. But that may not be the only expense you get for this ticket. If you decide to go to traffic school, the court clerk will add another $60- $75 for attending. Then, you must pay the school’s tuition, which could be another $20-$50. Overall, the total for the ticket could be up to $375. However, if you decide to pay the fine, your insurance company will most likely raise your premium — which will also be costly. For truckers, even traffic school will not mask the violation for your employer and the federal government. It Can Be Costly If You Don’t! STOP AT ALL STOP SIGNS!
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION
Thanks to your 75 referrals in June, we were able to donate $1,500 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.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted
Paying the fine is equivalent to pleading guilty. Therefore, it’s vital that you work with a traffic attorney. We can help you fight your ticket in court if you decide to go that route. Perhaps the officer’s poor view caused them not to see you stop at the sign. Then, as you pulled forward to get a better look at the traffic before proceeding, they assumed you performed a “California Stop.”
in the earth!” –PSALM 46:10
Before you pay the fine, go to traffic school, or fight the ticket in court, please allow Bigger & Harman to assist you. We can review the particulars of your case and help you find a solution that will work best for you.
(661) 859-1177 | 3
, APC HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS BIGGER
Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1701 Westwind Drive Suite 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
My Parents Traveled Across the Pond for the First Time in 40 Years!.......................... PAGE 1
The Swine That Dared to Defy.......................... PAGE 2
Do You Know Your Rights?................................ PAGE 2
Avoid the ‘California Stop’!................................. PAGE 3
Summer Fun Without the Burn......................... 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!
DON’T GET BURNED! Protect Your Skin With These Simple Tips
Summer is in full swing, which means the sun’s rays are shining bright for most of the country. In fact, the average UV index, or the intensity of ultraviolet light, across the U.S. is 7 or above on a scale of 13. To put that into perspective, a UV index of 3 is strong enough to damage the skin. However, just because the UV index is high doesn’t mean you have to hide inside — you just need to practice a bit of safety when you’re outdoors! To protect you and your family during the hottest months of the year, here are three ways to keep your skin sunburn-free. USE SUNSCREEN WHENEVER YOU’RE OUTSIDE — EVEN WHEN IT’S CLOUDY. Many think sunscreen is only necessary at the beach or near a pool. However, the sun’s harmful rays will always reach your
skin, no matter what you’re doing outside. Also, remember that while clouds may look like they’re blocking the sun, UV rays easily penetrate them and water like an ocean, lake, or pool. That’s why sunscreen is essential whenever you’re outside, even for just 20 minutes on a cloudy day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunblock that is at least 30 SPF and protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Reapply every two hours, and if you’re swimming or playing in the water, reapply every hour! CHOOSE YOUR OUTSIDE TIME WISELY. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so your skin is much more susceptible to damage during this period. If you can, save outdoor tasks (like yardwork) for early morning or late afternoon. If you are planning to spend some time outside
within this time frame, it’s best to do so in the shade. You can also use the shadow rule: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are strong enough to damage your skin, so it’s time to find shade. PICK THE RIGHT OUTFITS. If possible, choose darker-colored, long- sleeved shirts and pants made with tightly woven fabrics like canvas or synthetic materials such as nylon. Then, protect your face, neck, and ears with a wide-brimmed hat and cover your eyes with 99% to 100% UV-absorbent sunglasses. These types of clothing and accessories block more of the sun’s rays from ever reaching your skin and minimize your risk of a severe sunburn.
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