We know them when we see them – the speeders. The people who high tail it as soon as they enter the on ramp. The people who drive as if someone is chasing them. The people who breeze past your vehicle in an attempt to get to their destination, only for you to meet up with them at a stop light. For many of us, when they whiz by us, we know that they are going much too fast – even if they are driving on a highway.
The problem is larger than you think. In the span of just 24 hours, Canada’s busiest highway – Highway 401 – saw 37,000 motorists driving over the speed limit. Out of 45,000 cars, more than 80 per cent were speeding. According to a CBC Marketplace investigation, few people actually obey Ontario’s highway speed limits.
Out of 45,133 cars tracked near Toronto, only 17 per cent were driving at or below the speed limit. That means that the great majority of them – over 80% – were speeding.
Of the 83 per cent of drivers who were speeding, many were not even close to the speed limit of 100 km/h. Almost 10,000 cars (or 22 per cent of all the drivers on the road that day) were travelling at least 20 km/h above the limit.
Marketplace also found that 33 drivers were driving at dangerously fast speeds of at least 150 km/h. Seven cars were travelling at 160 km/h or faster.
If you are found to be driving 50 km/h over the speed limit in Ontario, you can immediately lose your car and license for seven days. You could also be given a fine of up to $10,000.
According to the Ministry of Transportation, “The risk of a fatality or serious injury is almost five times greater for vehicles crashing at 50 km/h or more above the posted limit on a highway with a posted limit of 100 km/h.”
Drivers need to obey the speed limit on all roads, but especially on busy highways like Highway 401. By doing so, you can avoid a potentially fatal – and costly – accident. You can be held liable if your careless driving and inattention to the posted speed limit causes an accident. Better be safe than sorry and obey the law. And if you are involved in an accident, speak to an accident lawyer to understand your rights by booking a free consultation or calling 1-855-446-7765. For more information, visit our section on accidents.
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