Question: In the winter, how do police determine what is a safe speed? I was driving Highway 5 in a storm and didn't really want to do 45 km/h with a 2 km line of traffic in the left lane. I passed the train of cars, but only did about 70 km/h. I felt that it was safe for myself in the truck that I was driving.
Great site by the way. Lots of great info on here!!
General Determination of a Safe Speed
In general, the police determine what is safe for winter driving the same way you do. They drive the roads and try to do what is safe for the conditions. Otherwise, determination is pretty much done after the fact. The driver was going too fast to stop at the stop sign or went through the corner instead of around it.
Careless Driving Prohibited
If a driver chooses an unsafe speed that is below the posted limit there is a section of the Motor Vehicle Act that applies to the situation:
144 (1) A person must not drive a motor vehicle on a highway
(c) at a speed that is excessive relative to the road, traffic, visibility or weather conditions.
To prosecute the ticket the officer that issued it must be able to show the court that the driver's choice was inappropriate for the conditions.
More Precisely Determining a Maximum Speed
As a collision analyst, I was able to measure and calculate things like critical curve speeds or slide to stop distances. This was usually part of a collision investigation rather than day to day enforcement.
Follow the Speed of the Majority
If the majority of the traffic around you is moving at 60 km/h in the posted 80 km/h zone that's probably a good indication that 80 is too fast and you should seriously consider following their lead.
Variable Speed Limits
Some of BC's highways are governed by Variable Speed Limit (VSL) signs that are changed by MOTI staff to suit road conditions. They must be followed regardless of the fact that you might think that a higher speed is appropriate. If you don't, police will issue a speeding ticket just as they would for fixed signs.
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I always say, drive where you are comfortable. I say that to people who drive for a living, not people who have no concept of safe.
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Drive Where You are Comfortable