| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-11-23 09
November 23 - 30th - Speeding
Speed has been determined to be an aggravating factor in all crashes. As
speed increases road users are less able to react to other road user's
actions
or detect hazards. Almost one out of every four crashes, or 24%, involves
driving at a speed unsafe for the prevailing road conditions.
Driving a few km/h over the posted speed limit:
- Reduces your ability to steer safely around curves or objects on the road.
- Decreases your field of vision and your peripheral vision.
- Extends the distance required to stop your vehicle in emergency
situations.
- Reduces your ability to obey traffic control devices such as red lights and
stop signs.
- Increases the chances that you will lose control of your vehicle.
- Reduces the effectiveness of seat belts and other safety devices such as
airbags and side impact beams.
- Increases probability of death or injury if there is a crash.
- Reduces the effectiveness of roadside hardware such as barriers, crash
cushions and bridge rails.
Remember - An unsafe speed could be under the specific speed limit, depending
on the road and driving conditions, (ex: roadway icy, wet or snow covered,
weather, light conditions and traffic density etc.). When road
conditions worsen decrease your speed and increase your following distance
between you and the vehicle in front of you.
To remind drivers to slow down, the Medicine Hat Police Service safety
messaging trailer will be displaying the message
"Drive to Arrive - Speed
Kills" between November 23 to 30th.
Anyone interested in providing input on future safety messages to be displayed
on the MHPS safety messaging trailer or identify road safety issues thatare of
concern to them are encouraged to provide their input.
For more information please contact:
Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8471 |
Office of the Chief
