Speed

Information related to vehicle speed and speeding.

STUDY - Assessing Community Attitudes Toward Speed Limits

MUARC LogoThe Accident Research Centre at Monash University, Australia, has released a report that explores community attitudes towards current speed limits and examines some of the reasons for these attitudes. The majority surveyed were in favour of reducing speed limits on two lane 100km/h undivided rural roads and on rural gravel roads, but only about one third supported lower limits in urban areas at this time.

Setting Credible Speed Limits

Speed SignWithout doubt, the laws that drivers fail to follow the most often must regard the speed limit. Everyone has a justification for doing so. They range from being in a hurry, which is selfish, to the limit is set too low which is either a reasonable observation or a result of failing to take all factors into consideration.

CASE LAW - Burgess v Fisher

BC Courts Coat of ArmsChelsea Fisher was driving westbound on 43 Avenue just past 32 Street in Vernon. She was approaching the intersection where traffic for the mall entered onto 43 Avenue in a T intersection to her right. Robert Karol had stopped at the stop sign to exit the mall parking lot and intended to turn left onto 43 Avenue. He proceeded from the stop sign, did not yield to Ms. Fisher and a collision resulted.

READING - Driver Attitude to Speeding and Speed Management

SpeederCanadian drivers seem to agree that speeding is a dangerous action. It increases the possibility of collision, injury and death on our highways. However, most drivers have a fairly elastic view of how the speed limits apply to themselves with the majority (7 in 10) reporting that they occasionally exceed the speed limit. Regardless, there is significant public support for anti-speeding measures.

READING - W.H.O. Speed Management Manual

WHO LogoSpeed has been identified as a key risk factor in road traffic injuries, influencing both the risk of a road traffic crash as well as the severity of the injuries that result from crashes. For instance, pedestrians have a 90% chance of survival if hit by a car traveling at a speed of 30km/h or below, but less than a 50% chance of surviving an impact of 45km/h or above.