Speeding needs to become socially unacceptable

Re Dozens hospitalized after tour bus crash on Hwy. 401, June 5

That terrible crash near Prescott, Ontario on June 4 involving a tour bus has left one individual dead and dozens injured.

An investigation is underway by the OPP as to the cause of this tragedy. This tragedy will again raise concerns, and rightfully so, about speeding/irresponsible drivers on roadways and highways right across the country.

It may very well be that the driver of that bus was driving within the posted speed limits. The investigation will determine this.

Nonetheless, speeding has become widely accepted by far too many drivers in Ontario and right across the country. ‘Everybody does it’ is a common excuse for breaking the speed limit.

There is a proven way to deter speeders. Enforce the speed limit. When drivers know they will be caught and penalized, they slow down. The perception of apprehension is a proven and effective deterrent. There’s no substitute for strong police visibility in problem areas, but the police can’t be everywhere. For obvious safety reasons they are reluctant to pursue speeding drivers on high-volume roads. Photoradar is a solution to the problem. However, all the traffic safety countermeasures in the world, combined with visible enforcement, in and by them- selves, will not fully prevail in the fight against “speeding, dangerous, irresponsible drivers.”

A nation-wide movement against these “lawless” drivers must take hold that somewhat resembles the way public sentiment once moved against drunk driving. Simply put, Canadians, as the statistics indicate, have made drunk driving socially unacceptable. Getting caught now means alienating your family, your friends and likely losing your job and that’s just for starters. The progress in the long 30-year-plus fight against impaired driving, according to the Canada Safety Council, is attributable to several factors: strong commitment from all stakeholders, changes in attitudes and behaviours, effective public awareness programs, tough laws and enforcement.

How long it takes to bring about a nation-wide movement that demonizes and makes lawless driving socially unacceptable is anyone’s guess. But if it doesn’t happen, think of the consequences.

Public safety and injury prevention are the issues at hand. The challenge resides with all Canadians.

Properly funding traffic safety in all our communities should be a priority. Under funding it flies in the face of safety and public health. A step in the wrong direction. Emile Therien, Ottawa