“While it is important to allow cars the ability to increase speed while passing, given the posted speed limits, there does not seem to be a need for vehicles to travel at the speeds that they are capable of.”
As we drive down the highway, we notice (or at least, we hope one notices) the mandatory posted speed limits. Not adhering to these legal limits could result in speeding tickets, but can also have more catastrophic consequences. We all know that speed kills; driving too fast can cause accidents of all magnitudes, at times leading to severe injury or even death. Even though this fact is of common knowledge and perhaps common sense, people continue to speed.
By gauging our speedometers, it is possible for any one vehicle to go as fast as 180 km/h or faster, even though the clearly posted speed limit on most major freeways is 100 km/h. While a 10 or even 20 km/h increase above that will probably not result in a speeding ticket, going any faster risks a high probability of getting one if you are caught. Why then is it that our vehicles have the capability in the first place to go so fast? Cars share the road with other vehicles, including transport trucks. While there are clear differences in the physical presence of trucks on the road– such as their size, stopping abilities, and blind spots– there are limitations that are enforced upon trucks, in order to apparently make roads safer and greener. Speed limiters are placed on all heavy trucks in Ontario, limiting their maximum speed to 105 km/h. The Ministry of Transportation claims that not only would there be 100 million litres of fuel a year saved, which is equivalent to 280,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, but that roads will become safer for all drivers.
Given the technological capabilities of these devices and the monitoring and enforcement efforts that are made possible for police and MTO officers, the potential implications of these speed limiters on all vehicles is quite significant. An electronic testing device can be plugged into a section in the cab of the truck, allowing the officer to determine if a limiter is in place.
While it is important to allow cars the ability to increase speed while passing, given the posted speed limits, there does not seem to be a need for vehicles to travel at the speeds that they are capable of. Perhaps enforcing these speed limiters on all new and current vehicles could make for much safer roads.
However, there are going to be some practical problems with this idea.
First, it would need to become a federal law, which requires time and approval. Second, there would be serious financial implications. Not only would car manufacturers need to account for the speed limiters in their manufacturing process, but current vehicles would need to be outfitted with the device as well. There is a chance there would be reluctance on the part of car owners to pay for the installation themselves, so there would be a financial burden placed upon the government to reimburse car owners, or create some sort of bursary program.
The idea is solid; its works for heavy trucks and has obvious translatable benefits to other vehicles. Its application and practicality, however, pose problems that may take some time to resolve. However, the end result may mean much safer roads, less fuel usage, and less speeding tickets.
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