Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Not so fast
October is one of the peak seasons for speed-related crashes. It’s a good time to ease up on the gas pedal and re-think ideas about speeding. You may think you’re safe if you’re within the speed limit, but it isn’t always that simple.
It’s not just about the speed limit
The posted speed limit is the maximum speed allowed in ideal conditions. Depending on weather, road and traffic conditions, the speed limit may be too fast for conditions. Slow down for snow, ice, fog, road construction and heavy traffic. Ease up on your speed when children are on or near the road.
But my reflexes are good. Why not drive fast?
Even under ideal conditions, it takes at least 1.5 seconds for your brain to perceive and react to a hazard ahead. The faster you’re driving, the farther you’ll travel in that time, and the longer it will take to stop your vehicle. Speed reduces your ability to steer around curves or objects on the road. It reduces the ability of vehicle safety systems to protect you. It all adds up to more severe crashes.
But I’m in a hurry!
Sorry, but speeding won’t help you much. Let’s say you have to drive 10 kilometres to get to an appointment. If you drive 60 kilometres per hour, non-stop, you’ll arrive in 10 minutes. If you drive 70 kilometres per hour, you’ll get there 80 seconds faster. Is that worth the risk?
Bottom line: speed kills
Throughout the 1990s speed was a primary factor in 15 per cent of crashes attributed to at-fault drivers. According to police data, speed killed an average of 14 people per year in Manitoba during that period.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV and check out the following sections on our website:
- Speed Limits in Driving Tips
- Speeding in Road Safety
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Speed directly
