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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
NOVEMBER 2022
Don’t Take Life for Granted
SHOW GRATITUDE WHENEVER YOU CAN me with your legal issues. I understand the gravity of your situation, and I don’t take the responsibility lightly.
Sometimes, we may not acknowledge how special our American lives truly are. As we go through our everyday routines, we can lose sight of our freedoms because we’re so used to them. But, unfortunately, other people in the world don’t have the same freedoms and privileges we do. It’s easy to take what we have for granted — I’m guilty of this, too. So, every Thanksgiving, I try to remember what I’m grateful for. First, I’m grateful for my health. Growing up, I played basketball with my friends or went on hikes, and I still enjoy these activities today. Whenever I get the chance, I try to find new hikes and take in nature’s beautiful scenery. But some of those activities would not be reasonably possible if it wasn’t for a serious surgery I had a few years ago. If my medical condition went untreated, my life could be drastically different. Fortunately, I live in America, and I had access to a procedure that would allow me to continue living a normal life. It pains me to think about the people suffering medically, but don’t have access because they live in a country with less access to health care professionals. Next, I’m thankful for my career. I can support my family and do activities to help us create lifelong memories. But that’s only one reason I love my job. Working with Paul and the rest of the team, and serving all of you gives me extra purpose and meaning. I enjoy lifting some of the weight off our truck drivers’ shoulders because they already do so much for me and the community. Truck driving is not an easy job, so I will do anything to ensure they only have to focus on driving and delivering loads. To our amazing truckers, thank you for trusting “Sometimes, we may not acknowledge how special our American lives truly are. As we go through our everyday routines, we can lose sight of our freedoms because we’re so used to them.”
Although giving thanks to your family and friends is common around the holidays, I still think it’s essential all year round. We need to remember our lives would be dramatically different if we didn’t have our loved ones around us. I try to tell my friends and family how much they mean to me any chance I get because tomorrow is never guaranteed. So, tell your loved ones how much you love them this Thanksgiving. Finally, I’m grateful for our nation. Having access to medicine, work, travel, and voicing opinions and beliefs without fear of imprisonment are privileges many other countries don’t have. Even the ability to worship God freely is limited for most of the world’s population. I know our country seems severely divided about politics, beliefs, and values. Still, two things unify us: We’re Americans and we have freedom. We can speak out against the government and share and practice our beliefs because of the men and women who fight and are willing to risk their lives for this country. I can’t thank our veterans and active military enough for their bravery and sacrifices. Everything I have in my life — my career, family, friends, and experiences — is all because of God. Although I don’t know what the future has in store for me or our country, I know God has a plan. Because I have faith in Him, I have a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends family, country, and work. God has provided many blessings in my life, and I will forever be grateful for His love and grace He showed in sending Jesus to die for my sins.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
–Mark Bigger
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A Daily Dose of Gratitude RAISING THANKFUL CHILDREN
Most parents want their kids to view Thanksgiving as a meaningful event — not just an opportunity to indulge in turkey and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, most kids’ eyes will glaze over when their parents launch into a lecture about thankfulness. You will likely find better success by emphasizing the value of gratitude all year long. “What do you say?” It’s a question we all ask our young children after someone does something nice for them. This practice instills good manners, but it shouldn’t be confused with teaching gratitude. Imparting the meaning behind the words “thank you” takes something more. If you want grateful children, you need to be grateful parents. Consider how you can incorporate gratitude more into your everyday life. Are you as thankful as you
should be? Do you repay favors and write thank-you notes? Do you regularly talk about why you’re so fortunate or what you’re thankful for? Cultivating gratitude in your life sets a good example, and many studies show it benefits your mental health as well. Next, consider how you can encourage your child to reflect on who they’re grateful for. Acts of kindness and returning the favor to those who have been good to us can inspire kids to put their gratitude into action. Doing some yardwork, sharing a toy, or making a painting as a gift can help children understand how powerful it can be to outwardly show our gratitude for the people who are in our lives. Consistency is the most crucial factor, so try to find ways you can incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine. Children of
any age can keep a gratitude journal with their parents’ help. Some families also use a gratitude jar where each family member can write what they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and add something different to the jar each week. It’s the perfect way to keep gratitude front and center. These lessons may not sink in immediately, but by cultivating these positive habits in our everyday lives, you will see a big difference in the long run.
How Do Police Clock a Driver’s Speed? LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS 3 SYSTEMS
As you’re driving, you may notice police parked on the side of the road, in either a visible or hidden location, tracking a driver’s speed as they pass by. Other times, a cop may be driving as they measure another vehicle’s speed. While we know law enforcement can easily detect your speed if you pass them or if they’re behind you, did you know they can clock your speed when you’re behind them? THEY DETERMINE SPEED IN 3 WAYS. It surprises some people when they discover law enforcement can measure speed with a rearward-facing antenna. The antennae on a police vehicle can send and receive signals in front and behind them. To understand how this works, we first need to understand the three systems cops use to determine speed: radar, lidar, and pacing. • Radar: Law enforcement uses radio waves to measure speed and frequencies to calculate an object’s velocity. Radars send out signals of high-frequency electromagnetic waves that reflect off objects. Because of this, radars can detect the direction, distance, and speed of moving objects such as vehicles, aircraft, and ships.
When police use a laser to clock speed, the object emits short bursts of laser light and reflects the beam off your car.
• Pacing: Have you ever had a cop driving behind you at a constant speed and distance before they turn on their lights and signal you to pull over? If so, you’ve experienced a tactic called pacing.
DO TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES PREFER ONE SYSTEM OVER ANOTHER?
While some judges prefer certain methods over others, LIDAR is probably the easiest to prove for law enforcement. If law enforcement uses the pacing method, curvy roads or intervening cars can sometimes raise reasonable doubt. But an experienced traffic court attorney can raise doubt about radar and lidar systems because they need to be calibrated frequently to be accurate and the officer should need proof of a calibrated speedometer in order to prove a pace. If you or someone you know has received a speeding ticket and must appear in traffic court, call Bigger & Harman for assistance. We will be happy to attend court on your behalf and fight your ticket.
• Lidar: Lidar stands for light detection and ranging, which is a remote sensing method that uses laser light to detect speed.
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I Received an Electronic Device Violation
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION
Thanks to your 66 referrals, we are able to donate $1,320 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.
Previous laws in California stated that drivers would receive a ticket if they were caught making a phone call or texting while driving. But in 2017, a new law went into effect in California that cracks down heavily on cellphone use while driving. For both commercial and non-commercial drivers, you may receive a citation if you’re caught holding a cell phone while driving. Then, in July 2021, CA Assembly Bill 47 went into effect. What Penalties Could I Face? HOW DOES AB-47 AFFECT YOU IF YOU’RE CAUGHT HOLDING A PHONE WHILE DRIVING? If you have one electronic device violation, you’re required to pay a $162 fine. But luckily, you won’t receive any points on your license for your first offense. While your first offense has lighter penalties and you can still obtain your discount, don’t take it for granted. Your insurance may raise your rates for a cell phone violation even if you do not receive a point. Paying the fine could box you and your attorney into a corner if you receive a second allegation. If your second texting and driving charge can’t be dismissed or reduced, your insurance cost will increase exponentially and you will lose your “good driver’s discount.” But losing your discount isn’t the only hindrance. With AB-47 effect, your insurance can increase by 45% for three years if you receive a second electronic device violation. The average cost for insurance is $1,708, but with a second citation, insurance rates bump to $2,484. But commercial drivers face additional consequences. Under federal rules, a cell phone violation is considered a serious violation. If two serious violations occur within a year, a trucker faces a 60 day mandatory driver’s license suspension. A professional driver has to fight every cell phone violation or risk their livelihood. While some drivers are not happy with the 2017 law and AB-47, it aims to keep people safe while on the road. Fifty-nine percent of California drivers stated they were hit or almost hit by another driver on their phones. These laws act as a deterrent to persuade drivers not to use their phones while driving or invest in a “hands-free” device.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” PROVERBS 3:16
If you or someone you know is facing a traffic ticket, please allow Bigger and Harman to assist you! We have your back!
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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
What I’m Grateful for Every Day ...................... PAGE 1
A Daily Dose of Gratitude ................................. PAGE 2
Understand How Police Determine Your Speed ............................................................ PAGE 2
Penalties for an Electronic Device Violation .................................................. PAGE 3
Combating Brain Fog ......................................... 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!
4 WAYS TO CLEAR THE HAZE Is Your Head in a Fog?
Do you ever feel as if your head is in the clouds? Brain fog due to stress can make it difficult to retain information, remember little details, concentrate, and react quickly. If your mind feels a little sluggish and a bit off, here are some tips to get you feeling like yourself again! NOURISH YOUR BRAIN. Did you know what you eat has a direct effect on your brain function? Poor food choices can negatively impact the way your brain works, but fueling it with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins provides positive brain energy! For example, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B-12 are essential for memory and brain function. Are you eating foods with those nutrients? FOCUS ON GETTING BETTER SLEEP. According to the American Sleep Association, between 50–70 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep disorder, and this could lead to feeling disoriented, sluggish, and mentally foggy the next day. To promote better sleep, here are some tips:
• •
Promote calm evenings
Sleep in the dark
• Charge your electrical devices outside of the bedroom
STRESS LESS. Stress can make it difficult to form fluid thoughts, concentrate, and become or stay motivated. In fact, when you’re stressed out, you may lose some control over yourself. To reduce your stress and combat brain fog, be realistic about your goals and what you can handle. Concentrate on just one task at a time; remember to breathe, smile, and laugh; and advocate for a healthy work-life balance. EXERCISE REGULARLY. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting active is not only good for your muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cardiovascular system, and overall health, but it can also work wonders for your cognitive health. It’s been linked to improved memory, reduced depression and anxiety, and better problem-solving. This doesn’t mean you need to be in the gym every day pumping iron! Simply walking, gardening, or swimming is enough to get your heart pumping and endorphins flowing! Being consistent is key.
• • • •
Develop a sleep schedule
Avoid hitting the snooze button
Exercise once a day
These tips are sure to help you combat brain fog and take care of your body so it can take care of you in the long run!
Begin dimming artificial light in the early evening
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