THIS BELGIAN MALINOIS NEEDS A CAPE EVA’S STAND-OFF WITH A MOUNTAIN LION
A commonly uttered phrase among dog lovers is that we don’t deserve them. This comes from the fact that dogs often give their all to protect their owners, even if that means putting their own lives at risk. Dogs seem to be instinctively wired to protect their humans — and it’s more proof they really are our best friends. In May 2022, Erin Wilson pulled off at a roadside picnic area and headed down a path toward the Trinity River in California with her Belgian Malinois, Eva. As Wilson walked down the slope, the dog ran ahead. Suddenly, Wilson turned around and realized she was being cornered by a mountain lion. These attacks are incredibly rare due to the mountain lion’s reclusive and shy nature. In fact, since 1890, California has recorded only six fatal mountain lion attacks. However, recent drought conditions have made
The mountain lion growled and took a swipe at Wilson’s left shoulder. As it lunged at her, Wilson screamed and shouted for Eva. At the distressed call of her owner, the dog came running back to Wilson’s aid. Without hesitation, Eva leapt between Wilson and tackled the wild cat. During the short tussle, the mountain lion managed to get its jaws around Eva’s head, but Wilson fought to free her dog by throwing rocks in an attempt to break its hold. When that didn’t work, she ran back to her truck and managed to wave down a passing motorist. With their combined efforts — and a crowbar and lots
of pepper spray — they were able to scare the mountain lion away. Wilson, though wounded, managed to carry Eva back to her truck and raced her to an animal hospital. Unfortunately, while Eva survived the initial attack, she passed away due to her injuries on June 8, 2022. Wilson said she would do anything for her dog, and that day, Eva proved she had done the same for Wilson.
food scarce in some areas. Their preferred prey is deer, but these conditions probably made the sudden appearance of a slender woman look like an attractive option.
IT’S FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU AND OTHERS Why Can’t Big Trucks Use the Third Lane?
As you travel across the highway, you may notice signs that read “No Trucks In Left Lane” or “All Trucks Use Right Two Lanes.” You only see these signs while traveling on a road with more than three travel lanes moving in the same direction. Truckers aren’t allowed to use the farthest left-hand lanes and are only allowed to use the first two right-hand lanes, according to the CA Vehicle Code. Here is what you need to know about a third lane violation. WHY AREN’T BIG TRUCKS ALLOWED IN THE FARTHEST LEFT TWO LANES? The left lane is used for faster-moving traffic. Unless a speed limit sign states otherwise, the maximum speed for all trucks on highways with at least two lanes moving in the same direction is 55 mph. Since trucks move slower than most cars, they cannot drive in the left lane on multiple-lane highways. Now we should take a moment here to point out that California has the largest difference between truck and regular automobile speed limits in the west. It really doesn’t make sense, but that is the law. The speed differential makes it unsafe for truckers to drive in the third or farthest two left-hand lanes. We also know many drivers out there will not hesitate to risk their life by passing trucks on the
left. California puts most of the duty on truck drivers to avoid this scenario and tells them to stay right.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES? If a law enforcement officer catches
you in the third or farthest two left-hand lanes, you could receive a ticket with a fine of $238 and one-and-a-half negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points. Although the penalties may seem small, the consequences could be significant. When you receive NOTS points, the DMV assesses them and all the information is stored in the driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR). Then, the MVR is sent to your employer. The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (DOT FMCSA) is also notified of your violation. You could have severe consequences from your employers or the DOT FMCSA if you receive a violation. Therefore, you shouldn’t face this conviction alone. Contact Bigger & Harman for assistance. We can look at your violation and see if we can change or lower the penalties. We understand you need to keep driving. So, allow us to help you during this time to keep you on the road longer.
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