Speed

Question: I live on rural road in northern BC. Many vehicles speed along this road even though the time they save in reaching the main highway will only amount to a minute or two. The RCMP presence on this road is effectively non-existent. If I could document the speeding vehicles then I could perhaps persuade the RCMP to exert some presence on the road.

Richard Kaiser was ticketed for failing to slow while passing a police car while that car’s emergency lights were activated. He disputed that ticket on two grounds, the regulation offended the Charter by being too vague and that the officer was merely making notes concerning a previous violator at the time and so had entrapped Mr. Kaiser. Judge Takahashi convicted Mr. Kaiser.

Friends of my parents were returning from Vancouver to Kelowna this past weekend and were pulled over for doing 44 km over the speed limit. It was a family of 4 returning from a hockey tourney. The officer said I could give you an excessive speeding ticket and have your car impounded.

In mid July I was driving on a rural back road on Vancouver Island, heading into town to do a few personal errands. The vehicle I was driving was a 2008 Toyota Sienna van. On this particular day it was my second time driving the van, and I was still not used to the amount of steering input that was required to turn it, as I had been driving a Civic since I got my Learners License. 

This publication from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec examines the health impact when drivers fail to follow the speed limit. It also reviews counteractive measures and identifies the need to redefine a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing speed on Québec roads.

I was driving behind the RCMP Freeway Patrol officer, not realizing we were both driving the same speed (distance of my car and his car were constant) and also didn't realise he was a police officer as it was an unmarked vehicle. As soon as I realised he speeds up,  I continue at my speed and then he slows down to about 70KM/H and I slow down to 80KM/H and pass him on the left.

Question: I live in a Strata Complex in Coquitlam. Road access to the homes is from a busy street. Strata Complex roads are narrow and require drivers to drive less than 25 km/h. The problem in the community is some drivers risky behaviour is a source of concern for many.

I was issued a speeding ticket a year ago for excessive speeding.  I was found travelling 125km/h in an 80km/h zone.  I disputed the ticket and last week was issued a court date.  I requested disclosure from the officer.  He stated as he is quite busy he would like to offer me 2 pleas.

Mistakes is a campaign launched by the New Zealand Transport Agency that "encourages the audience to be conscious of other road users and to choose a safer speed that factors in the chance for human error." I fear that the current speed limit review here in British Columbia will be driven by "me" centered drivers who have little or no consideration for other road users. This campaign gives valid reasons to support careful consideration of other factors beyond better roads and better vehicles should result in higher speed limits.