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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
FEBRUARY 2024
Ulysses S. Grant, Truck Drivers, and the Backbone of America FROM THE CIVIL WAR TO THE HIGHWAY
professionalism, they help prevent accidents and ensure that our highways remain safe for everyone. However, despite their best efforts, truck drivers still face legal challenges on the road. In my career, I’ve had the privilege of representing many truck drivers who have found themselves in legal trouble. Whether it’s a speeding, logbook, or other traffic viola- tion, I work tirelessly to ensure their rights are protected and they receive fair treatment under the law. My goal is to provide them with the legal guidance and representa- tion they need to navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome for their case.
While history books may spotlight figures like Abraham Lincoln or George Washington, another President deserves recognition for his pivotal role: Ulysses S. Grant. Grant, often overshadowed by his contemporaries, led the Union to victory during the Civil War, securing his place in history as a cru- cial figure in American leadership. Because President Grant is completely underrated by the public, he reminds me of another unnoticed group. In many ways, truck drivers are like Ulysses S. Grant — indispensable but often overlooked. Truckers are the backbone of our economy, ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently across the country. Without them, our nation would grind to a halt, yet their contributions are frequent- ly taken for granted. Much like Grant, truck drivers are not flashy or celebrated in the same way as other professions, but they get the job done day in and day out. They navigate challenging road conditions, handle unforeseen
In all honesty, truck drivers are some of the most ded- icated and hardworking individuals I’ve had the
pleasure of working with. They take pride in their work and understand the impor- tance of their role in keeping our world moving. Despite their challenges, they approach each day with a sense of purpose and determination, much like Ulysses S. Grant himself.
obstacles, and deliver goods to their destinations without fanfare. It’s a demanding job that requires skill, dedication, and a commitment to safety. Grant’s ability to handle any situation, including the tumultuous period following Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, is reminiscent of the resilience and adaptability truck drivers display daily. Whether facing traffic violations, accidents, bad weather, traffic conditions, or legal challenges, they handle each situation professionally. Grant navigated the complexities of post-war America with intelligence and determination. Similarly, truck drivers navigate the complexities of our modern transportation system, often facing long hours, tight deadlines, and unpredictable storms. But like Grant, they persevere, ensuring that goods are delivered safely and on time. In addition to keeping our economy humming, truck drivers also play a crucial role in maintaining public safety on our roads. By driving with a higher level of skill and
Let’s take a moment to acknowl- edge the unsung heroes among us — both past and present. Just as Ulysses S. Grant shaped Amer- ican history, truck drivers shape the landscape of our economy and daily lives. To truck drivers every- where, thank you for your service and commitment to keeping our nation running smoothly.
–Mark Bigger
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A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS
A HEROIC HOUND’S STORY
THE BRAVERY OF TANK THE GERMAN SHEPHERD In a remarkable display of courage and instinct, a German shepherd named Tank recently became an overnight sensation. His heroic act, captured in a TikTok video with over 45 million views, showcased the extraordinary bravery of our canine Tank’s quick thinking and fearless stance saved him and demonstrated the innate protective nature of German shepherds. actions remind us of dogs’ invaluable role in our lives, offering unconditional love and unwavering protection when needed.
German shepherds are a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them the first choice for families seeking a dependable guardian. Like many German shepherds, Tank possesses a unique blend of courage, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs are not just pets; they are devoted protectors and family members willing to put themselves in harm’s way for their loved ones.
The boy’s mom wrote on social media that Tank is their “highly skilled professional home security officer.” “This is Tank, and no, he is not professionally trained. He’s just a man with killer instincts, who loves a good chew toy,” she wrote after posting a video of Tank playing with his favorite toy. In today’s world, Tank stands out as a true hero. As we watch Tank’s story, we are reminded of the extraordinary capabilities of our four-legged friends and their profound impact on our lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes; they have four paws and a tail.
companions. Tank’s story begins on an ordinary day that quickly turned extraordinary when he saved his owner’s 6-year-old son from a dog attack in November 2022. As the young boy played in the front yard of his South Florida home, a neighboring dog, unrestrained and aggressive, charged toward him. In an instant, Tank leaped into action. The dog pushed the boy to the ground and then placed himself between the boy and the oncoming threat, averting a possible tragedy.
Tank’s story is more than a viral sensation;
it’s a testament to the deep bond between dogs and humans. His
Key Points of California’s New ELD Mandate Explained Stay Compliant and Avoid Legal Trouble
Attention all truck drivers in California! There’s a new law on the books you need to be aware of, and it could impact your day-to- day operations on the road. We’ve already had clients be charged by California Highway Patrol (CHP) because of the new law. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, intrastate motor carriers and drivers must now use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to record a driver’s record of duty status (RODS). This means that whether you’re hauling goods within or across state lines, you’ll need an ELD installed in your vehicle to stay compliant with the law. The CHP has announced this new regulation to ensure truck drivers don’t get into trouble with enforcement personnel. There’s no grace period or soft start provision, so enforcement action can be taken immediately if you’re found to be non-compliant. Adopting federal ELD regulations means interstate and intrastate carriers must comply with these rules. It’s important to note that while the ELD requirement applies to most drivers, some exemptions are in place. Drivers who operate commercial vehicles infrequently, driveaway-towaway operations, or vehicles manufactured before model year 2000 may be exempt
from using an ELD. However, even if you’re exempt from the ELD requirement, you must keep RODS unless otherwise specified.
For drivers not required to use an ELD, there are alternative methods for recording RODS, such as using a paper logbook or an automatic on-board recording device. Additionally, certain vehicles, such as those owned by forestry or fire departments, local law enforcement agencies, or designated as authorized emergency vehicles, may be exempt from maintaining RODS altogether. All truck drivers in California must familiarize themselves with these new regulations to avoid any potential enforcement actions. Whether you’re subject to the ELD requirement or not, staying informed and compliant with the law is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your operations on the road. If you or someone you know is facing charges because of this law change, we can help. Call our team at 661-349-9300 so our Bigger & Harman team can provide you with the necessary counsel and guidance.
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Red Light Violations and How to Avoid Them FOLLOW CALIFORNIA’S TRAFFIC LIGHT LAWS TO STAY COMPLIANT AND SAFE
Your Referrals Make a Difference! Thanks to your 73 referrals in January, we were able to donate $960 to help fight human trafficking and lead medical missions. INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION To learn more about International Justice Mission and their mission to protect half a billion vulnerable people from exploitation, please go to IJM.org . MEDICAL MISSIONS OUTREACH To learn more about showing God’s love by providing quality medical treatment to some of the poorest people in the world, visit the Medical Missions Outreach home page at Medical-Outreach.com .
As a truck driver, navigating the roads safely and legally is a top priority. One area where extra caution is needed is at traffic lights. Red light violations can have serious consequences, both in terms of safety and legal implications. As you go in and out of state lines, remember California’s specific traffic laws to protect your career. Here are some essential points to remember to avoid red light violations and stay compliant with the law. First and foremost, remember that you’re driving a massive 80,000-pound truck. This means you need to be extra vigilant when approaching traffic lights. In most cases, you should be going at least 10 mph slower than usual to ensure you can safely stop if the light changes. California’s Code 21453 carries 1.5 points and adds a layer of complexity for truckers. The law states that if you are completely in the intersection when the light turns red, it is not running a red light. However, if you cannot clear the intersection due to traffic or other conditions, it’s important to stay put and wait until you can to avoid blocking the intersection. While blocking is a violation, it typically does not result in points on your license. Understanding that red light laws can vary from state to state is crucial. In California, all of your truck must clear the crosswalk before the light turns red to avoid a violation. If any part of your truck is still over the crosswalk when the light changes, you could be cited for a red light violation. Blocking intersections is another area of concern for truck drivers. While it’s not considered a point violation, it can still result in a citation. To avoid this, ensure you have enough room to clear the intersection before proceeding through a light. Red light violations can have serious consequences for truck drivers. By being aware of the laws in your state and taking extra precautions when approaching traffic lights, you can avoid violations and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. If you ever find yourself facing a red light violation, our team can help. Call 661-349-9300 to schedule your free consultation.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
DEUTERONOMY 31:6
(661) 859-1177 | 3
, 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
Unsung Heroes of Our Nation........................... PAGE 1
Meet Tank, a Canine Companion and Protector........................................................ PAGE 2
Are You Aware of This New California Law?..... PAGE 2
How to Navigate California’s Red Light Laws.............................................................. PAGE 3
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap............................. 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!
THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health
LOWER STRESS People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high- stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. LIVE LONGER Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine.
THINK CLEARER Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time.
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