The speed limit on Saskatchewan's twinned highways is set at 110 km/h, but few people actually drive within the limit. Driving 110 km/h will leave law-abiding drivers feeling like they are moving at a snail's pace as others whiz by at 120, 130, 140. I expect some pay the price in the form of stiff speeding fines, but sadly others pay the price in pain, suffering and even with their lives.
British Columbia recently raised the speed limit on some highways to 120 km/h, which means most drivers will actually be going 130 km/h or faster. How many of us truly believe we are good enough drivers to safely operate a vehicle at those speeds, especially on B.C. highways? At least in Saskatchewan the double-lane highways are, for the most part, straight with visibility for kilometers ahead and behind.
Even so, with the limit at 110 km/h, people frequently die on Highways 1, 16 and 11, and it is my opinion that, in most cases, those deaths are the result of excessive speed.
How else can we account for the single-vehicle rollover into the median of a wide-open highway with traffic travelling in one direction on a clear summer day? What about the t-bone at the intersection where there is visibility for kilometres?
We are only human, and our reaction time isn't always as razor sharp as we think it is. When hurtling down the highway at 130 km/h, our ability to deal with the unexpected is seriously challenged. Add to that in-cab distractions such as the radio, iPod, small children and, yes, the cellphone, and the challenge can become insurmountable.
I think it would be a mistake to follow British Columbia down the lane to faster highway limits. Raising the cap just ups the ante.
As I putt along at what I consider a safe cruising speed for someone of my age, driving experience and skill (yes, call me a prude, I travel the posted limit) I often ponder what the speed demons do with that extra 10 or 15 minutes they gain when they reach their destination. Catch up on their texting and social media, most likely. Since I don't do social media and my text communication is minimal I continue to plan to use those spare minutes on the road, doing my best to actually reach my destination alive and in one piece.
