In Toronto, a program to reduce speed limits on local roads and public lanes from 50 km/h to 30 km/h is underway as part of the City’s Vision Zero Speed Management Strategy. Since launching in 2019, vulnerable road user fatalities have decreased by 28%, proving that speeding has a real impact on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
The reason it’s working: traveling at lower speeds allows drivers more time to react to hazards, shortens their stopping distance, and lessens the severity of blunt force trauma on victims upon impact. Studies show that a pedestrian struck by a car travelling at 50 km/h is eight times more likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck at 30 km/h.
So, why do so many drivers still speed? According to Transport Canada, it’s not for the reason you think. Only one in five drivers say enjoying the feeling associated with driving fast has been a reason for them to speed. Most say they speed because they don’t want to be late. Here’s a tip: Next time you’re late, tell yourself, “I’m late, that sucks. Next time I’ll plan better. But for now—I’m slowing down.”
