There’s something about the rush of racing. Whether it’s watching a thrilling NASCAR event or getting the most laps at a go-kart track – winning feels good.
But the road is not your racetrack and making like Ricky Bobby on real life streets won’t win you any trophies or corporate sponsorships. You’re much more likely to end up with an expensive ticket, costly demerits and even getting your vehicle seized for an extended, involuntary pit stop. (Did you know that the ticket for “engaging in a contest of speed” includes a an automatic 30-day impoundment?)
Even if you don’t get caught by police, excessive speed increases your risk of a severe collision that wrecks your vehicle, or even worse, injures or kills you or other road users.
The April Traffic Safety Spotlight is on speeding.
Excessive speed is one the leading factors in traffic-related deaths and injuries on Saskatchewan’s roads. In 2019, 454 people were injured, and nine were killed in Saskatchewan in collisions where speeding was a factor.
“Posted speed limits are not suggestions, and driving is not about who gets there first – it’s about making sure everyone gets there, and gets there safely,” said Penny McCune, COO of the Auto Fund.
Since speeding affects your control and reaction time, you’re more likely to get in a collision at higher speeds. And the faster you’re going, the more severe the collision is going to be.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
With the weather getting warmer, there will soon be more people sharing the road with motor vehicles, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. That’s why it’s even more important to mind your speed.
All of these road users are smaller and less protected than motor vehicles, and the likelihood of a severe injury is significantly higher if a collision occurs.
We all have to do our part to keep each other safe.
