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About Terry Godchaux
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer questions about vehicle safety issues, vehicular counter-terrorism training, police pursuits in general (specifically for California), emergency response in general (specifically for California), criminal justice, and police academy training.

Experience
I have recently retired as a Deputy Sheriff from California. I have served in Patrol and special Investigations.

My last position for 10 years was assigned to our Regional Training Center at the Sheriff's/Police Academy. I taught at the Academy and administrated the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). I also was a subject matter expert and served as a member of CalPOST. My specific training and expertise resides in vehicle operations, vehicle safety, code-3,pursuit, and counter-terrorism operations.

Organizations

Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for EVOC

Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for Simulations

Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for the Sheriff’s and Police Academy

Former Instructor for the Las Positas College (A.J. EVOC)

Former Instructor for San Joaquin Delta College (A.J. EVOC)

Former Lead Instructor for EVOC at the ACSO Police Academy

Publications

Numerous within the S/O I had worked for.

Education/Credentials

Baccalaureate Degree

Management and Administration Certificate

Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate

Intermediate California P.O.S.T. Certificate

Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate

California P.O.S.T. Crises Management

California P.O.S.T. Crime Prevention Training

California P.O.S.T. Advanced Crime Prevention Training

California P.O.S.T. Environmental Engineering School

California P.O.S.T. Drug Recognition Expert

California P.O.S.T. DARE Instructor

California P.O.S.T. Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Tactical

California P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor

California P.O.S.T. Driver Awareness Instructor (DAI)

California P.O.S.T. Pursuit Driving Training Instructor (DTI)

California P.O.S.T. Basic Motorcycle School

California P.O.S.T. Motorcycle Instructor

California P.O.S.T. Tactical Vehicle Instructor

California P.O.S.T. Dignitary Protection Instructor

California P.O.S.T. Counter-Terrorist Instructor

California P.O.S.T. Driver Simulator Instructor

California P.O.S.T. P.I.T. certification

Barricade Braking certification

Past/Present Clients
I currently work as a contract Instructor for the Jutice Department/MPRI when training needs concerning EVOC arise outside of the U.S.

   

You are here:  Experts > Parenting/Family > Protecting your Home and Family > Transportation and Vehicle Safety

Questions Answered By Expert  Terry Godchaux 
In Category  Transportation and Vehicle Safety

SubjectDate Asked

Regarding keeping extra gas in car11/12/2009
  Q: I have a question for you. I have recently brought a car for me and I am new to driving in US. I ...
  A: Firstly, gasoline can only be placed into lawfully approved containers that are designed to hold ...
Speeding ticket while passing another car11/9/2009
  Q: I would appreciate your opinion of my first possible speeding ticket in more than 15 years. I was ...
  A: The section you have been cited for is the Maximum Speed Law. This is a "Never Exceed" violation, ...
Braking distance ratio by weight10/30/2009
  Q: Good day, Is there a simple way to determine the difference in braking distance in a pick up that is ...
  A: K. and welcome to AllExperts! By way of your question, it appears you have done your homework and ...
State Troopers - radar enforcement procedure10/22/2009
  Q: Mr Godchaux, thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question regarding State Troopers ...
  A: The short answer to your question is untrue. Radar is just another tool the officer may use to ...
Use of radar10/18/2009
  Q: Can an officer assigns two citations in one use of a radar ?
  A: and welcome to AllExperts! The officer can only write one ticket per radar return tag, however, the ...
hit and run???....not quite??10/16/2009
  Q: I have a dilemma and I need help! Okay, I *think* I may have been involved in a hit-and-run...I was ...
  A: ! Firstly, hit and run is not a felony, but a misdemeanor, and is a specific intent crime. This ...
tickets9/24/2009
  Q: If there are several cars speeding and a person has notice a police with a radar gun in its hand ...
  A: Firstly, the radar gun is only a tool to determine speed. The officer using one already has a ...
ticket 22349b 5/30/09 livermore, ca8/23/2009
  Q: I got ticket 22349b at 84highway livermore down hill to Vallecitos Rd had green light going ...
  A: Ok..... I am not sure if you are saying that you plead "Not Guilty" and the case was extended to ...
ticket 22349b 5/30/09 livermore, ca8/22/2009
  Q: I got ticket 22349b at 84highway livermore down hill to Vallecitos Rd had green light going ...
  A: Let me see if I understand your question... You were in the left lane of Vallecitos Road traveling ...
Wrong info on speeding ticket8/3/2009
  Q: The officer said I was speeding. I was not. The ticket states I was driving a newer model Toyota. I ...
  A: One of the most valuable assets a peace officer has is their credibility, which is based on many ...
1998 fiat scudo van7/18/2009
  Q: i was wondering if you could tell me how much weight i could put in my 1998 fiat scudo van without ...
  A: I am sorry to say that I am not familiar with your vehicle in question. All vehicles have some type ...
Violations 22349(a)7/14/2009
  Q: I was pulled over on I-15 on the border of 65 mile and 70 mile zone by police officer in the car. ...
  A: In so far as the officers reason for stopping you, all they need is an on-viewed violation. If there ...
Defense CVC 22450 amended to CVC 21802 a7/10/2009
  Q: Browsed your past answers hoping to find some help for my situation. First some back ground I've ...
  A: Hmmmmm..... You have asked a very good question Shane. Contrary to popular belief, officers are in ...
Defense CVC 22450 amended to CVC 21802 a7/9/2009
  Q: Browsed your past answers hoping to find some help for my situation. First some back ground I've ...
  A: The information you're looking for exists in the training jacket of the officer in question, held at ...
Defense CVC 22450 amended to CVC 21802 a7/8/2009
  Q: Browsed your past answers hoping to find some help for my situation. First some back ground I've ...
  A: I certainly sympathize with you and your situation for sure. You acted upon good faith and with good ...
Instructional Permit6/25/2009
  Q: I just got my instructional permit in New Mexico. the general rule is that the driver must be with ...
  A: As far as I know, there are no restrictions as to having passengers during the student training ...
Questions for a Story5/30/2009
  Q: I’m writing a story set in California (around L.A. if that helps) and I have several questions about ...
  A: .... You are correct. Officers will usually either advise dispatch of a disabled motorist, or time ...
Questions for a Story5/29/2009
  Q: I’m writing a story set in California (around L.A. if that helps) and I have several questions about ...
  A: Due to your time sensitive request, I'm writing this on my iPhone while on a BART train, so please ...
RADAR TICKET5/26/2009
  Q: Can the police use radar on a 27000lb RV ? today a cop said I was doing 44mph around a 25 mph turn I ...
  A: I apologize for not getting back sooner as I was out of town. Concerning your question regarding ...
Speeding ticket5/20/2009
  Q: I was cited under section 22349(b) for doing 60 in a 55 zone. My question revolves around two ...
  A: Firstly, 22349(b) VC is the Prima Fascia section concerning the violation of the posted speed limit. ...
Arm Cast5/8/2009
  Q: My doctor said that I'd get a ticket for driving in a left-arm cast, but one of your posts disputed ...
  A: Vehicle code laws concerning the operation of a motor vehicle in regards to arms and hands are ...
Braking time4/1/2009
  Q: I wanted to ask in your professional opinion approximately how long in meters would it take a -6 ...
  A: ... Your question is a bit convoluted. Also, without an ABS system activation (not applicable in ...
Vehicle Rules In California3/20/2009
  Q: I was wondering what the law says in regards to having a jeep that has an open top be on the road as ...
  A: The short answer is yes, you can operate the vehicle without the top. In California, you may not ...
Occupational License3/12/2009
  Q: I don't know if you would know anything about this but I got my license suspended twice within a one ...
  A: Firstly, it really depends on who suspended your license, whether it was the DOT/DMV or the courts, ...
Use of cruise control3/6/2009
  Q: Should I use the cruise control on my 2008 Ford Fusion as often as possible (when on the open road) ...
  A: The greatest use of gasoline is when accelerating to your desired speed (x). The greater the ...
question about car equipments3/4/2009
  Q: i am not sure my question is relevant but I'll give it a try anyways. I have an used Corolla , my ...
  A: Relevance is based solely on a desire to learn something. If it is important to you, it is relevant ...
Code 22349 (A) VC- Speed2/26/2009
  Q: I got a speeding ticket with a CVC 22349 (A) However, the officer did not write down anything in ...
  A: You ask a good question.... This particular offense is based on violating the maximum speed law on ...
airbag safety2/14/2009
  Q: my daughter is 5 foot 1 inches tall. ive been told that airbags are not safe for short drivers. how ...
  A: Airbags can deploy anywhere from to 90 to 170 mph at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and have been known to ...
device for cars2/2/2009
  Q: please can you tell me how many cars have a warning indicator when the car screen wash has run out ...
  A: This is really a technology driven question regarding what bells and whistles are incorporated into ...
driving distance1/29/2009
  Q: What distance should I stay away from the car in front of me when stopping at a red light?
  A: The rule of thumb is far enough away to see the roadway behind the rear tires of the car in front of ...
Broken passenger mirror1/21/2009
  Q: I am a transportation supervisor and have had issues with my boss about what are safety violations ...
  A: ... While the U.S. Department of Transportation does nationally govern many rules and regulations, ...
cvc 22349(b) violation1/9/2009
  Q: I was driving on highway CA-1 (undivided 2 lane). The cop crossed me in the opposite direction, ...
  A: Unfortunately, your violation was for 22349(b) which is driving no faster than 55 on undivided ...
speed limit vs Prima facia speed limit1/6/2009
  Q: Interesting site you have here. Im stumped abit about the limits. I’m reviewing an appeal my friend ...
  A: For any area governed by a specific posted speed, surveys are necessary to establish a maximum safe ...
ACCIDENT12/31/2008
  Q: I WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED, ...
  A: The information regarding being far enough behind another vehicle so as to see their rear tires on ...
Citation/summons12/17/2008
  Q: I received a ticket for, Operated a vehicle at unsafe speed.There is no posted speed limit,and no ...
  A: I apologize for not getting back sooner as I have been out of town again. Regarding your question, ...
Stopping time..12/1/2008
  Q: Hey Terry, I'm wondering what the approx. stopping time and distance would be if a driver is ...
  A: The two best places to find your information is: #1 NHTSA (National Highway Transport Safety ...
Stopping time..11/30/2008
  Q: Hey Terry, I'm wondering what the approx. stopping time and distance would be if a driver is ...
  A: Unfortunately, stopping distances are specific for each car depending on footprint, ballance, ...
No Contacts?11/17/2008
  Q: I was recently involved in an accident. I received a traffic citation stating "following too ...
  A: I believe what you were informed was not NO CONTACTS, rather it was NO CONTEST, and refers to how ...
accident involving police officer10/24/2008
  Q: Good Morning. My husband and son were involved in an accident with a police officer. My husband was ...
  A: Welcome Aevya to AllExperts! Your question is actually quite common..... And I will try to first ...
Distance between vehicles10/22/2008
  Q: In California, is there any regulation or law regarding the safe distance between stopped vehicles ...
  A: The only distances that are regulated for California are in regards to a moving motor vehicle ...
statistic question10/20/2008
  Q: Drivers are twice as likely to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk who are what?
  A: and sorry for not being aware you had a question pending as I usually try to answer them the same ...
EVOC9/29/2008
  Q: My wife was involved in an accident as a result of a police officer making an unsafe maneuver ...
  A: .... Firstly, EVOC is not a code of any kind. It refers to a program for the training of emergency ...
Mopeds9/19/2008
  Q: Terry, I know that in California mopeds are generally legal if they met certain qualifications ...
  A: Firstly, around 1981 California had written an Assembly Bill that allowed Moped style scooters to be ...
car accident9/3/2008
  Q: I hit a car, side swiped her,. She pulled out making a left hand turn and pulled out in front of ...
  A: They're are several issues at play in this accident: 1) Right-Of-Way 2) Driving with Due Regard ...
driving after OD8/22/2008
  Q: I overdosed and have physical limitations. How can I improve my chances of safely driving again?
  A: The question seems a little vague, and I will need more specific information to provide a better and ...
dune buggy trying to make street legal p.a.8/19/2008
  Q: I'm trying to find out what has to be done to make a dune buggy street legal its a 1966 VW 1300 ...
  A: and I apologize as I did not see this request until just now. Also, for some reason this message ...
vehicle weight in relation to gas miledge7/30/2008
  Q: I am planing on moving to Florida, I don't have many things that I am taking but it is enough to ...
  A: As long as everything can fit into the Saturn without affecting your ability to drive safely, it ...
New York Trafic Laws7/29/2008
  Q: Can the duly licensed parent be intoxicated while a person with a class DJ license is driving?
  A: The DJ class refers to a Junior driver, or someone having a learners permit. This classification ...
California VC 22349(b)7/9/2008
  Q: I have over ten years of experience and I just received my first traffic ticket in Riverside County ...
  A: ... If you like to gamble, then you certainly can contest this in court. Remember though that each ...
Traffic Laws7/9/2008
  Q: If I stop at a yellow light to avoid going through a red light and someone smashes into me, am I ...
  A: and thanks for visiting AllExperts. Although there are a few questions I need to ask, usually, you ...
California VC 22349(b)7/8/2008
  Q: I have over ten years of experience and I just received my first traffic ticket in Riverside County ...
  A: and welcome to AllExperts! Your question greatly depends on which section of the Vehicle Code you ...
Unsafe Speed Ticket6/29/2008
  Q: I was traveling on a 3 lane interstate highway during a rainy day. I was in the right lane and moved ...
  A: I am sorry to hear about your situation and understand the difficulty of suffering an accident and ...
motercycle transportation6/24/2008
  Q: What are the laws on transporting motercycles in an enclosed trailer.I have to bring two bikes from ...
  A: All states allow for the safe transportation of vehicles as long as they are safely harnessed to the ...
Goped street legal - Ohio6/24/2008
  Q: I recently was riding my friends goped in Put-in-Bay, Ohio and a cop said that it was not street ...
  A: You would have to check your state laws regarding motorized scooters to ascertain if they are legal ...
Traffic lights in UK6/22/2008
  Q: Please don't worry if you can't help as this seems a really difficult question. For several years ...
  A: And welcome ! I am sorry to say that I have no independent knowlege in this specific area. I could ...
95 in a 556/21/2008
  Q: I am an 18 year old driver with nothing on my record. (I did traffic school when I was sixteen for a ...
  A: Ok, good news.... The 3 sections that could have been given in this circumstance were: 22349(b) ...
street legal6/21/2008
  Q: i have a baja dune buggy with 150cc motor on it it has working front headlights my ? is how do i ...
  A: There are many laws that apply to vehicles that can use the roadway, those registered and those that ...
no contact vehicle6/18/2008
  Q: I was recently involved in an accident with a motorcycle. I pulled out from a stop sign & didn't ...
  A: ... Usually, if the officer doesn't cite a person at the time period of the violation and/or ...
no contact vehicle6/18/2008
  Q: I was recently involved in an accident with a motorcycle. I pulled out from a stop sign & didn't ...
  A: If I understood your incident correctly, it appears after coming to a full stop, you had failed to ...
PA written exam5/14/2008
  Q: What happens if I fail the written drivers test in Pennsylvania for the first time??? I'm taking ...
  A: ... As I am not familiar with the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles rules and regulations, ...
mopeds5/11/2008
  Q: when you get your first license for a mopeds what cc do you have to have by law
  A: ... Every state has different requirements, provisions and qualifications. In California for ...
driving with injured arm4/28/2008
  Q: I recently broke my right arm while skating. The doctor has placed the arm in a cast. When I asked ...
  A: . California law does not require that you have full use of all your body parts in order to drive. ...
Quick Question4/19/2008
  Q: I am considering buying a truck..1 Ton Diesel...Would I need to get a CDL to drive this truck..Looks ...
  A: By using the term 'CDL', I assume you are referring to a 'California Drivers License'? If you are a ...
fuel consumption2/11/2008
  Q: Which one will use more fuel... Driving the car (Ford torrus 1991 model) for one hour OR Just switch ...
  A: ... an idling motor always uses more gasoline than reasonably driving it. The engine is most ...
Unsafe speed ticket2/6/2008
  Q: I was riding on my motorcycle when I got pulled over and cited for "unsafe speed". I was coming up ...
  A: ... All our roads have posted speeds on them, and this speed is based on an engineering study for ...
road trip1/27/2008
  Q: i have a 1999 nissan altima gxe and am planning an 1100 mile road trip. how safe would my car be?
  A: ... The age of your vehicle, manufacture or model, has little to do with it being safe. It has ...
traveling speed1/25/2008
  Q: how many meters approximately take to stop if you are traveling at 110km/hr, in a standard 4 ...
  A: and thanks for joining All Experts! When determining the distance it takes to stop a vehicle, ...
Octane advantages12/28/2007
  Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 87 vs. 90 octane.
  A: Think of the octane number as Vitamin C for example. Our bodies must have Vitamin C, but can only ...
Drunk Non-Permisive Driver totalled Car12/19/2007
  Q: While my mother was in the hospital having leg surgery her house mate, who had been drinking, ...
  A: ... I am very sorry to hear how your mother was taken advantage of. There are some remedies, but in ...
Traffic Accidents11/27/2007
  Q: How many traffic accidents in the US (or CA if you can find that) each year are caused by sneezing?
  A: .... Your question is a good one, and there are many urban legends concerning statistics, laws, and ...
hids11/25/2007
  Q: hey mr expert, I want to know if its legal or not to put these HID conversion kit (bulb, ballast) ...
  A: .... I will attempt to answer this, although, it is one of the more difficult issues dealing with ...
Speeding Ticket11/8/2007
  Q: I live in South Carolina, and was recently ticketed for 80 mph in a 65 mph zone. I understand radar ...
  A: Firstly, there are many bands that Radar will use, some which are easily detectable to those which ...
Decoy Passanger/doll10/26/2007
  Q: I was wondering if there is such a thing as a Decoy, inflatable companion to go in my car. I leave ...
  A: Try a google search for the string: "mannequin display" There are so many that I couldn't even ...
Decoy Passanger/doll10/26/2007
  Q: I was wondering if there is such a thing as a Decoy, inflatable companion to go in my car. I leave ...
  A: ... Decoys have been available for purchase for quite some time now. The first time I had become ...
EVOC training10/22/2007
  Q: I am an academy instructor for the St. Louis Metro Police Dept. My dept. wants me to be an EVOC ...
  A: There are several fine training sites for EVOC. I will list just a few of what I would consider the ...
Driving after head injury?7/19/2007
  Q: Don't know if this is your subject but I thought I would ask. I am in Illinois and suffered head ...
  A: Although I cannot tell you which states require this, I do know that some states require physicians ...
speeding tickets7/7/2007
  Q: Terry - I have been a very responsible driver for 20 years. Not one ticket. Then I got a speeding ...
  A: Sorry I had missed your question. I was out of the country at the time. Wow… why or what happened ...
Ticket6/12/2007
  Q: Can a speeding ticket be given without being pulled over by a cop?
  A: Good Morning sma and you have a good question here. Please know that each state within the country ...

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