Ontario struggles with ongoing traffic gridlock, which may be associated with the current speed limits. However, officials are studying a 120 km/h design standard for future highways. Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria recently announced the initiative that could allow vehicles to travel safely at speeds beyond 120 km/h.
During the announcement, Sarkaria did not specify if the 120 km/h design would apply to projects such as Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, or the potential Highway 401 tunnel project. The focus is to keep drivers safe with a speed-supportive infrastructure. This could potentially reduce car accidents linked to traffic congestion. However, no timeline was shared for finalizing these design standards.
Where are 110 km/h speed limits expanding?
The province also plans to expand 110 km/h speed limits on its 400-series highways where it's safe to do so. Following a pilot project, 18 segments of major highways now have permanent 110 km/h limits. This covers about a third of Ontario's major roads. That includes portions of Highways 11, 69, and 401.
On highways with 110 km/h limits, stunt driving penalties begin at 150 km/h. This rule aligns with the enforcement policy for highways with standard 100 km/h limits, which helps maintain driver safety even with speed limit increases. However, Ontario officials have not outlined specific new locations where further speed increases may occur.
Will knowledge and road test fees be impacted?
Sarkaria also announced a proposed freeze on driver knowledge and road test fees, with the goal of keeping costs down for Ontario residents. This measure still needs legislative approval. However, it highlights the government’s intention to manage roadway accessibility while considering infrastructure improvements.
What are the potential advantages and drawbacks of higher speed limits?
Traffic congestion often contributes to car accidents as vehicles in stop-and-go traffic encounter sudden braking, frequent lane changes, and reduced reaction times. Congestion also leads to driver frustration and distraction, as drivers may try to bypass delays by weaving through lanes or accelerating quickly when gaps open. In high-traffic areas, this aggressive driving behavior further increases the chance of highway car accidents.
Raising speed limits could help alleviate some congestion by allowing cars to flow more efficiently. When vehicles travel at higher, uniform speeds, traffic bottlenecks can clear more quickly, which reduces the need for constant acceleration and deceleration.
However, increased speed comes with significant safety risks. At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to hazards. Moreover, the force of impact during a collision is much greater. High-speed crashes are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. While car safety features are effective at standard speeds, they often lose their effectiveness at higher speeds.
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