Traffic Unit
> S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program)
"Promoting traffic safety and education."

This Month's Focus is on: Speed

Speed is a major contributing factor in serious injury and fatal collisions. Data indicates that speed related collisions begin to rise dramatically in April and carry through the remainder of the year. The speed limit in the City of Medicine Hat is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.

Motorists are also reminded that the speed limit in school and playground zones is 30km/h. School zones are in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and playground zones are in effect from 8:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset.

Fines for speeding can range from $57 for 1 km/h over to $351 for 50 km/h over the speed limit. Motorists can be sent to court for going more than 50 km/h over the speed limit.

In October 2005 Bill 39 was passed which requires motorists to slow to 60 km/h or less if the posted speed limit is lower, when passing emergency vehicles with their lights flashing. The goal of Bill 39 is to reduce the risk of injury and death to emergency services personnel when responding to, or working at, emergency scenes. This Bill also applies to construction zones when workers are present. Fines for speeding in these areas are doubled and can range from $115 for 1 km/h over the limit to $703 for 50 km/h over the limit.

Lower speeds also help prevent collisions. Even a 5 km/h difference in speed can have an enormous impact on your stopping distance. If two vehicles are traveling side by side, one at 60 km/h and one at 65 km/h, the vehicle traveling at 65 km/h will need an additional 4m to come to a stop. Although 4m may not seem like a great distance, the vehicles lose half their speed in the last 5m. What does that mean exactly? While the 60km/h vehicle is nearly stopped and only traveling at 5 km/h, the other vehicle is still traveling at 27 km/h. That 5 km/h at the beginning of the braking can be the difference between a collision with no injuries and little damage and a collision with major damage and injury.

The Medicine Hat police Service reminds you to drive safely and arrive at your destination alive.