Nobody Obeys Speed Zones

Q: Rick, what good does it do to have speed zones when only a handful of drivers obey them. Bring back photo radar. Most accidents on the west side are caused by idiot speeders in a hurry to go nowhere. It is good to see the boys out once in a while with radar but they should be out more often.

A: There's no substitute for a strong police visibility in problem areas, but, the police can't be everywhere. Some drivers still refuse to change their aggressive driving habits. Photo radar was used to prevent collisions, not to make money or simply to punish offenders. The purpose was not to collect more fines, it was to stop people from breaking the law. Photo radar was first introduced to British Columbia in 1996 and was terminated in 2001. Photo radar was an effective and fair law enforcement tool that helped reduce speeding and saved lives. It has been used in Europe for over 30 years. Norway, for instance, credits photo radar for a 20 per cent reduction in injury crashes. When drivers know there's maybe photo radar, they tend to slow down.

Why is it certain drivers are in a hurry? I ask myself that question every time I have attended an injury or fatal crash where speed is a contributing factor. Some drivers feel that speed limits are just a suggestion. Many motorists see speeding as a victimless crime, especially once they get behind the wheel. They are wrong. Speeding is extremely dangerous and considered an anti-social behavior. These drivers are the people stopped by the police for speeding and issued a violation ticket. These are also the same drivers who may one day have the police visit their family to advise their family that a family member has died as a result of speeding.

Speed influences traffic crashes in four basic ways. Speed reduces the reaction time drivers need to avoid crashes, which not only increases the likelihood of crashing but also increases the severity of crashes that do occur. Speed increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle. In addition, speeding drivers may not be able to judge distances accurately, which puts other vehicles and pedestrians at greater risk. Drivers who run red lights are likely to be speeding. Higher speeds result in higher risks of injury or death in a traffic crash, because vehicles and their occupants in motion have kinetic energy that is dissipated in a crash. Higher speeds reduce the ability of vehicles and restraint systems to protect occupants. Crash severity increases with vehicle speed, so a frontal impact at 60 km/h is one-third more violent than one at 50 km/h.

As speed increases over 100 km/h, the fatality rate of vehicle occupants goes up exponentially. For example, the chances of being killed in a vehicle traveling at 120 km/h are four times higher than at 100 km/h. When a car crashes near 200 km/h the chances of survival are minimal.

There is a proven way to deter speeders. Enforcing the speed limits. When drivers know they will be caught and penalized, they slow down. I am also a firm believer in education. So if you are reading this, follow the speed limits, drive in a mature manner and do your part to help reduce injury and death on our roadways.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.