Ontario’s Higher Speed Limit: Worth the Risk?
With Ontario set to roll out speed limits of 110 km/h on certain highway sections, some experts are concerned that higher speeds could mean more skids and more collisions.
The science checks out: Higher speeds generate more momentum, making it harder for tires to maintain grip, especially on slippery surfaces or during sudden manoeuvres.
But speed isn’t the only factor. Specific driving behaviors—like over-accelerating, over-braking, and over-steering—are what most often trigger skids. And these can happen at any speed.
Common Causes of Skidding
- Over-accelerating (pressing the gas too hard) can cause skids, like when you accelerate quickly from a stop or red light and feel the wheels slip. This is common in snowy or rainy conditions, but anything that reduces traction—like water, oil, or wet leaves—can also lead to skidding.
- Over-steering (turning the wheels too sharply) is another cause. Think of your vehicle’s grip as a ‘budget’ shared between braking, accelerating, and steering. Turning and braking at the same time can use up that budget, causing a skid. This often happens in emergencies, like swerving to avoid a hazard or in tight corners.
- Over-braking (braking too hard and locking up the wheels) is also a frequent cause of skidding, especially in emergencies. While hard braking is sometimes necessary, looking ahead at least 15 seconds and driving at a speed that lets you to stop safely in an emergency can prevent the need for sudden braking.
Avoiding skids isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about adjusting to road conditions and being aware of your traction limits, no matter how fast you’re going.
