Auto speed enforcement cameras in Toronto appear to have vastly reduced driving speeds where they've been deployed. City officials say since adding the Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) devices, excessive speeding — driving over the speed limit by 20 km/h or more — is down 87%.
Overall, at camera locations, the number of people speeding was reduced by 45%. According to data analysis, vehicle speeds were reduced by about 7 km/h where there were cameras.
ASE technology helps, but car accidents still happen
Toronto started utilizing the 75 ASE devices in 2020. At the time, speeding was so common that an analysis discovered about 20% of the vehicles traversing through a school zone were speeding.
ASEs use technology to gauge speeds, identify license plates, and issue warnings or tickets to speeding vehicles. ASEs are not permanent installations and are typically moved to new areas several times per year. Some cameras issue hundreds of tickets per month.
Toronto area speed-involved crashes
Even though ASEs appear to be effective in reducing speeds, speed-related accidents still happen in the Greater Toronto Area. Recent examples include:
- Four people were hospitalized in late July after a Scarborough accident in which a vehicle traveling at a "high speed" rear-ended a slower-moving car, sending that vehicle crashing through a fence.
- A man was hospitalized following a crash on Highway 401 in Toronto. The driver was allegedly speeding and weaving in and out of traffic before they crashed into a marked, vacant construction zone.
- In June, two truckers were killed in an accident on Highway 401 involving a tanker in Pickering.
Why is speeding dangerous?
- Reduced reaction time: Higher speeds decrease the driver's ability to react quickly to unexpected situations, such as sudden obstacles or pedestrians.
- Increased stopping distance: It takes longer for a speeding vehicle to come to a complete stop, leading to a higher risk of collisions, especially in emergencies.
- Greater impact force: The force of impact in a collision increases significantly with speed, resulting in more severe injuries or fatalities.
- Loss of vehicle control: Speeding makes it harder to control the vehicle, especially around curves or in adverse weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Reduced effectiveness of safety features: At high speeds, seatbelts, airbags, and other safety features become less effective in protecting occupants during a crash.
- Risk of rollovers: Speeding on curves or sharp turns can cause the vehicle to lose traction, leading to rollover accidents.
- Encourages aggressive driving: Speeding can lead to aggressive behavior on the road, such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and road rage, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Reduced visibility and anticipation: Speeding limits the driver's ability to observe and anticipate hazards ahead, potentially leading to avoidable accidents.
- Neglecting road conditions: Speeding drivers may not have enough time to adapt to changing road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or wet surfaces.
We hold negligent drivers accountable
If you've been injured in a car accident in the GTA, Smitiuch Injury Law is here to help. We understand the challenges of recovering compensation after an accident, as negligent drivers and insurance companies often make the process difficult.
Our experienced car accident lawyers aim to reduce the burden on victims by providing strong legal representation, holding negligent drivers accountable, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you've been hurt, don't hesitate to contact our law firm for a free consultation. We're ready to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
