To: Minister of Trasportation ([email protected]) Deputy Solicitor General ([email protected]) MLA Cc: Premier of Alberta ([email protected]) Leader of the Opposition ([email protected]) I urge you to decriminalize our current driving practices and acknowledge Alberta drivers with reasonable speed limits, which reflect the UPPER END of safe travel speeds for the reasonable majority on our highways. Please support speed limits, which reflect the expectations of Alberta citizens and those, found in over 60 jurisdictions worldwide. Speed limits are being challenged currently in BC*, so since it we hear that our government is reviewing innovations from BC it is only equally fair that I recommend as a citizen of Alberta and a voter, that this challenge from BC is presented in Alberta as a challenge for the representatives that we have voted for, to listen to as well. I want to drive freely and legally on our improved highways, with full focus on the road. I refuse to drive in fear of arbitrary and random police enforcement, harsh penalties which include unnecessary impoundments, insurance rate hikes and most of all - feeling like a criminal while watching medians, bridges and shoulders for police. The 85th percentile** speed measuring and limit setting methodology, as recommended by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) shows properly set speed limits encourage voluntary compliance and reduce the need for expensive and punitive enforcement. Most importantly, proper speed limits minimize collisions, and this reduces injuries and fatalities. Utah, Netherlands and Denmark recently raised their freeway speed limits and saw no significant change in the fatality rates. In Utah, the authorities have observed no change in the number of fatalities and an 11-20% drop in vehicle crashes following the speed limit increase*** from 75 to 80 MPH (120 to 128 km/h). If you have any doubts whether to support and act on my request, ask yourself these simple questions: When was the last time you drove Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary and did at the fastest 110km/hr? If you drove at a 110km/hr, are you driving at a speed, which is safe to the other drivers on the road if all other traffic is going 10-15km/hr faster than you are? Please support my request and do not preserve this continued grasp on old speed limit any longer; improve the awareness of what we as Albertans want to see changed and implemented in our province. I am tired of Alberta being behind and no longer being an innovator and leader, this has to change! * Posted Speed Limits and Speed Limit Setting Practices in British Columbia sense.bc.ca/2012/08/22/there-is-nothing-radical-about-correct-speed-limit-setting/ ** 85th percentile scientific speed limit setting methodology (ITE) Determining 85th percentile ite.org/standards/speed_zoning.pdf *** Changes to speed limits in Utah pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/start-your-engines-states-setting-higher-speed-limits-85899491761 Thank you
Posted on: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 14:19:07 +0000
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