Safe driving isn't just about speed limits
I have seen the opinion expressed, several times, that drivers should “just slow down and you won't get a ticket,” and while this is true to a point, what angers many of us is this:
People who are driving safely, prudently and appropriately for the road conditions, with both eyes on the road, are being ticketed because a safe and appropriate speed is over the official limit that has been set.
Speed limits are set arbitrarily, and often politically. Residents get after their local governments to “do something” about road problems, and the politicians reduce speed limits.
Many streets that are perfectly safe at 50 km/h are posted at 40; secondary highways safe at 100 km/h are posted at 80; normal traffic flow on 400-series highways centres around 120 km/h, and does not seem to have changed much with the increased limit to 110. Good drivers adjust their speed to match the road conditions, sight lines and traffic conditions.
A whole other set of drivers will not violate speed limits but will turn without signalling, blow through stop signs and red lights; fail to yield, change lanes without signalling and block the passing lanes on 400-series highways, all while feeling safe because they drive within the speed limit.
There most certainly are dangerous and careless drivers who drive too fast for conditions: just look at the stunt-driving charges from the long weekend. Speed cameras have done little to deter those who think the roads are racetracks (even when they see the camera).
Speed cameras do nothing to enforce proper lane usage and use of turn signals. Red light cameras are a step forward.
Are speed cameras a cash grab or a governmental attempt to be seen to be “doing something” to address traffic safety?
Rick Spencer, Stittsville