Did you know that driving at 70 km/h in a 60-km/h zone puts a driver at greater risk for a collision involving injury than does driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 g/100ml? The evidence says that the relative risk is 4.2 for the first practice (70 km/h in a 60-km/h zone), compared to 3.2 for the other (.08% alcohol). (Road Speed, p. 13)
In this document you will find a substantial review of the evidence on speeding. Besides presenting data such as those found above, the document points out that we must consider the phenomenon of road speed within a social context. Despite the disturbing realities about speeding, it is seen as a relatively minor type of offense, not comparable ot other, more serious illegal behavour. In addition, it is not just the less frequent instances of extreme speeding which pose a problem. The more common form of road speed (such as travelling at 70 km/h in a 60 zone) is shown to be a significant risk.
This scientific review, produced by the Direction développement des individus et des communautés of the INSPQ (the Institut national de santé publique du Québec - Quebec's public health institute), sets out to:
- Show the dangers to the public caused by road speed, including injuries, pollution, and less pedestrian and cyclist-friendly public spaces;
- Show how road speed reduces drivers' ability to avoid collisions;
- Review the current scientific evidence for the effectiveness of various measures aimed at reducing speed; and
- Develop a set of principles and recommendations for how to reduce road speed in the shorter and longer terms, based on the evidence.
As part of our mandate, the NCCHPP has translated this scientific review into English, so that it may become a resource for a broader group across Canada and internationally.