The other day I set out on a mission of errands which included a few stops in Lacombe Park. As I was driving along one particularly busy residential street, I noticed one of those portable speed indicators, you know, the ones that flash your speed at you if you are going faster than the posted limit. My speed read 36 km/h. I was under by 14 km/h. With many cars parked on both sides of the street and two designated crosswalks on this particular street, a street that sees several major accidents each year, I found myself wondering why on Earth is the posted limit 50 km/h? It seemed rather excessive.
Now consider that the street I was on connects onto Dawson Road, a four lane thoroughfare that spans Giroux Road and McKenney Avenue. There are no cars parked along the sides and the crosswalks are well marked, including one with crossing lights. The limit on this road is also 50 km/h. Someone please tell me that this makes one iota of sense!
How can 50 km/h be acceptable in residential areas when that is the same speed on a four lane route? There is a much higher risk of pedestrian/cyclist accidents on residential roads, especially where there are vehicles parked along the sides. If St. Albert takes community safety seriously then perhaps a move to reduce residential speeds to 40 km/h is in order? Some communities in Edmonton have made this move and it has helped to diminish accidents. Beverly and Rundle Park are such areas.
I see how Dawson Road might appear as a bit of a drag strip and thus the 50 km/h limit prevents excessive speeding. That makes sense. For roads like Lennox and Langholm, which see a lot of volume, as well as Larose Drive which demands much focus from a driver, 50 km/h is too fast. The opportunity for a child or pet to run out between parked cars is significant and cannot be ignored. There are numerous roads such as these in every part of St. Albert. While some citizens might feel inconvenienced by having to go slower on residential roads, the ultimate payoff is creating conditions that better promote safety.
Regardless of the posted limit, there will always be those who feel the rules do not apply to them. I have witnessed vehicles going well past 50 km/h on residential streets, their drivers blissfully oblivious to the potential dangers. Physics reminds us that the resultant speed in a collision, even at the posted limit of 50 km/h would be 100 km/h. Would you like to experience that joy ride?
Lower residential limits would give me more peace of mind. With new drivers in my family, I want them to be responsible in respecting the posted limits. I encourage them to go slower in residential areas. Why? Because I value your children too! I want them to be safer by having the gift of more reaction time. One second can make the difference between life and limb or averting catastrophe.
I am hoping to see common sense prevail in our community. Should it not, then petitions and other prudent responsible citizen courses of action must ensue. If you are keen to see safer posted limits in your area, let city council know.
Enjoy the best that summer has to offer, enjoy your travels wherever they may take you, but like everything else in life … know your limits.
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer and member of the Canadian Naval Reserve.
