Speed

This publication from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec examines the health impact when drivers fail to follow the speed limit. It also reviews counteractive measures and identifies the need to redefine a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing speed on Québec roads.

I was driving behind the RCMP Freeway Patrol officer, not realizing we were both driving the same speed (distance of my car and his car were constant) and also didn't realise he was a police officer as it was an unmarked vehicle. As soon as I realised he speeds up,  I continue at my speed and then he slows down to about 70KM/H and I slow down to 80KM/H and pass him on the left.

Question: I live in a Strata Complex in Coquitlam. Road access to the homes is from a busy street. Strata Complex roads are narrow and require drivers to drive less than 25 km/h. The problem in the community is some drivers risky behaviour is a source of concern for many.

I was issued a speeding ticket a year ago for excessive speeding.  I was found travelling 125km/h in an 80km/h zone.  I disputed the ticket and last week was issued a court date.  I requested disclosure from the officer.  He stated as he is quite busy he would like to offer me 2 pleas.

Mistakes is a campaign launched by the New Zealand Transport Agency that "encourages the audience to be conscious of other road users and to choose a safer speed that factors in the chance for human error." I fear that the current speed limit review here in British Columbia will be driven by "me" centered drivers who have little or no consideration for other road users. This campaign gives valid reasons to support careful consideration of other factors beyond better roads and better vehicles should result in higher speed limits.

Question: Is there a section in the Motor Vehicle Act that states in the absence of speed signage on a highway (ie a newly constructed / upgraded section), a driver will use common sense to judge what a safe speed limit would be?

Question: If I was driving at 150 km/h in a 110 km/h zone, is that considered excessive speeding? The definition I have found on line states that excessive speeding is over 40 km/h.

I've recently attended traffic court for a speeding in a municipality charge. When I arrived the officer greeted me in the hallway outside the courtroom and invited me into a small meeting room. He then asked me what my intentions were, and after a quick run down of the possible options, I replied that I was here to plead not guilty.

Setting the speed limit on a highway in BC is a more complex process than most people realize. If you're curious, the Ministry of Tranportation and Infrastucture's blog explains about design, use and review with regard to speed limit setting and revision on our highways.

I was asked what I thought about radar and laser detectors again today and why the government has not seen fit to outlaw them. It's an interesting question and definitely has as many answers as there are people to express an opinion. Let's take a look at it from the point of view of a mixed message delivered to drivers that may serve to promote a bad attitude.