Should speed limits be raised?

[Ace]

Seriously the only reason speeding gets so much attention is because it is the easiest to enforce. If they quit enforcing speeding and instead used those resources to start enforcing the actual rules (signaling, merging correctly, distracted driving, yielding to pedestrians, dangerous driving, etc), that would be much more effective in making the roads safer.

[Cuz]

Originally Posted by Canehdianman

Why do we need that?

My brain is already capable of taking into account the time of day and weather and driving the appropriate speed.

Do you drive 100 km/h on Deerfoot in the middle of a snowstorm?

I sure do, but that's because I drive a big 4X4 SUV

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Cuz

I sure do, but that's because I drive a big 4X4 SUV

[FireFly]

Or you could have a lane limit to force the strugglers on deerfoot to the right. Right lane is for those doing up to 105, middle lane is 106-120, left lane 120+. Passing only on the left.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Canehdianman

Why do we need that?

My brain is already capable of taking into account the time of day and weather and driving the appropriate speed.

Do you drive 100 km/h on Deerfoot in the middle of a snowstorm?

You're missing the point: of course people should (and do) drive at different speeds, depending on the conditions.

However, the speed limits don't reflect that - in ideal conditions, with low traffic volume, why should I be forced to maintain the limit that was set to handle all situations?

Speed limits that reflect conditions just make more sense.

[Enoch Root]

One item that has not been mentioned yet is the change in automobile technology.

Speed limits in Canada have not changed or been reviewed in any significant way in decades.

However, cars are substantially safer in virtually every way: they break faster, turn better, tires are infinitely more reliable, sensors aid drivers, visibility is better, etc.

Despite these facts, speed limits remain where they were set in the 70s-80s when they were reduced in order to save fuel.

In the US, speed limits have been steadily rising on major highways over the last 10 or 20 years and in my purely anecdotal opinion, are far safer and more pleasant to drive on than the major Canadian highways.

[Enoch Root]

On a separate note, I think one of the biggest issues affecting the safety of Canadian highways is the lack of understanding to stay in the right lane.

Lots of talk here about the autobahn, but for anyone who has driven through Europe, the big difference - and the reason that higher speed limits are successful - is that EVERYONE follows the stay-to-the-right-rule.

As long as that happens, it really doesn't matter what speed people are driving because they are not getting in each other's way.

Driving in Europe is an absolute DELIGHT.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by FireFly

Or you could have a lane limit to force the strugglers on deerfoot to the right. Right lane is for those doing up to 105, middle lane is 106-120, left lane 120+. Passing only on the left.

Was just thinking of this. And enforce it. Anyone who drives below a certain speed in the fast lane will get a ticket for impeding traffic.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Was just thinking of this. And enforce it. Anyone who drives below a certain speed in the fast lane will get a ticket for impeding traffic.

I am not sure the over complication of an issue will help.

[DuffMan]

Originally Posted by Canehdianman

Why do we need that?

My brain is already capable of taking into account the time of day and weather and driving the appropriate speed.

Do you drive 100 km/h on Deerfoot in the middle of a snowstorm?

Only in the left lane, and then add 10 km/h for every lane to the right.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I am not sure the over complication of an issue will help.

I just wish there was a way to punish slow drivers like they do people who speed. I would argue the stragglers are just as, if not more dangerous on the road than the guys speeding. It freaks me out coming up to some guy doing 80km/h on Deerfoot.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I just wish there was a way to punish slow drivers like they do people who speed. I would argue the stragglers are just as, if not more dangerous on the road than the guys speeding. It freaks me out coming up to some guy doing 80km/h on Deerfoot.

I am sure someone will correct me if wrong, but I am sure the police can ticket verhicles taht are travelling too slow. I don't know the particulars or parameters of what qualifies.

[Derek Sutton]

I'm for higher speed limits on the highways but not on Deerfoot. As has been mentioned it wasn't engineered for its current use. Lanes ending, going from 5 down to 2 lanes, numerous exits and entrances, ice on the Calf Robe etc...really I wouldn't care if it was lowered 80 or 90 and enforced.

There are only a handful of roads where I would support higher speed limits. One being the TCH east to Medicine Hat, Stoney could go to 110 as well but what difference would upping the speed limit 10 kph make?

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Dion

It already is 120-130 based on what I see when driving the Deerfoot. Not many do the speed limit.

What about when you drive the Crowchild? Or the Glenmore? I really notice it on the McKnight and the Airport trail. Don't get me started on the 16th Avenue...

[Canehdianman]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

You're missing the point: of course people should (and do) drive at different speeds, depending on the conditions.

However, the speed limits don't reflect that - in ideal conditions, with low traffic volume, why should I be forced to maintain the limit that was set to handle all situations?

Speed limits that reflect conditions just make more sense.

Not missing the point at all. I think you are missing my argument.

I agree that speed limits should be increased. I just don't think that spending millions of dollars on a fancy system that can tell if it is raining or dark out is necessary.

To quote the 2003 BC report referenced in the video: "Maximum speed limits are set for ideal road, traffic, and environmental conditions".

People are capable of using their own discretion to determine whether that speed is reasonable for them.

Drivers that are not capable should not be driving.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Daradon

Agree with this with one caveat:

Driving test standards need to be raised for a pass, and there needs to be higher standards for driving schools and those that issue the tests.

Talking to someone who came from Germany he mentioned that the standards of driving are higher there and begin at the teaching and licensing.

I completely agree. I would have no problem having to take a 30 min test or whatever when I have to renew my license in order to keep some of the oblivious morons off the road. This would also create jobs in the form of more driving instructors, which is never a bad thing.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by MattyC

I completely agree. I would have no problem having to take a 30 min test or whatever when I have to renew my license in order to keep some of the oblivious morons off the road.

Should we also implement regular vehicle inspections to ensure the vehicle is able to travel those increased speeds?

[Erick Estrada]

At the end of the day it's about one thing and one thing only. Money. That's it. Nothing more. Speeding Tickets = income.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I am sure someone will correct me if wrong, but I am sure the police can ticket verhicles taht are travelling too slow. I don't know the particulars or parameters of what qualifies.

I believe it's below 50% of the speed limit, not sure if that includes vehicles with "slow-moving" signage. Of course, anyone going 50km/h on an otherwise free-flowing highway is well beyond the point of being a major hazard.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Should we also implement regular vehicle inspections to ensure the vehicle is able to travel those increased speeds?

I would say no. I have never been involved in an accident that was caused by mechanical failure. It has always been due to driver error; or weather conditions contributing to driver error.