Increasing the existing speed limit to 120 km/h on the Inland Highway is to increase the frequency and severity of motor vehicle collisions.
The 110 km/h travelling speed is set for ideal driving conditions. If you agree, let ICBC know your opinion.
Without a provincial, yearly vehicle inspection, any old wreck of a car can zoom along like a damaged aorta ready to hemorrhage.
With no requirement to have winter tires installed, when the average daytime December/January temperatures here do not rise above 7 C, is asking for diminished steering and stopping control with dire results. We do get black ice and snow.
When vehicles adhere to the posted speed limit, many drivers pass at breakneck velocity, already choosing to travel at or beyond the 120 km/h speed limit being considered.
Also, there is no dual speed limit signage here as the U.S. used to have for a reduction at night by 10 miles per hour.
Not all drivers have the skill set (training/experience) to drive at higher speeds, especially non-tested, yet-still-licenced seniors.
Driving at higher speeds reduces the fuel efficiency factor resulting in a higher rate of pollution. Furthermore, I am absolutely horrified to witness erratic driving by cell phone users and unbelievably, drivers actually texting, especially when wild animals can unpredictably and suddenly enter the highway.
Gord Byers
Parksville
