Traveling At Excessive Speeds
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation reports that in 2016, the number of people who died in speed-related accidents increased by 13% from 2015. Unfortunately, most drivers fail to appreciate how dangerous speeding can be in Ottawa until it is too late.
Consequently, speeding is becoming one of the most dangerous factors contributing to accidents on Ontario’s roads. Not only does traveling at rates above the speed limit increase the occurrence of deadly accidents, but these accidents also result in many people being seriously injured.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a speeding accident, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced lawyer. It also helps to understand some details about the risks that speeding presents as well as what penalties drivers can expect to face due to speeding.
Why Do Ontario Motorists Speed?
Many motorists in Ontario speed because they are in a rush to reach their destination. It is a much better idea, however, to leave early for a destination to ensure you have an ample amount of time to get there. This is because individuals who rush to reach their arrival point are much more likely to be involved in an accident due to speeding.
Some of the other common reasons why motor vehicle drivers speed include:
- Drivers who are not aware of their speed. Eliminate any distractions to ensure that you can safely operate your motor vehicle within the speed limit. Some drivers choose to place cell phones in an area where they cannot be immediately accessed in order to prevent distraction, which includes keeping an eye on one’s speed.
- Recklessly speeding to location. Drivers who travel in a reckless manner fail to take regulations into consideration and greatly increase their chances of ending up in a deadly accident. By remaining cautious, drivers can greatly avoid this type of dangerous driving pattern.
- Traveling alone on the road. Some drivers who operate vehicles without anyone else in the car are not aware of their speed. Traveling with someone else in the vehicle may help a driver remain vigilant about maintaining legal speeds.
- Passing other vehicles. If you cannot safely pass a vehicle on the road while maintaining legal speed, you should not attempt to do so.
- Keeping up with the flow of traffic. Even if other motorists speed, you should appreciate the risks that speeding creates and instead refrain from operating a vehicle in this manner.
Each of these types of driving patterns involves motor vehicle operators who fail to appreciate the substantial damage that could result from speeding. By appreciating the risks presented by driving at excessive speeds, Ottawa drivers can keep the roadways safe for all.
Injuries Due to Speeding
Fatalities are much more common when motor vehicle operators decide to reach their destination by speeding. This is because speeding deprives motor vehicle operators of the ability to promptly respond to conditions that arise. By traveling at a reasonable speed, however, drivers have a much better opportunity to stop suddenly in traffic or swerve around debris in the roadway.
When motorists are injured while speeding, some of the most common medical conditions that they end up facing include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Wrist injuries
Penalties for Speeding in Ontario
In Ontario, speeding tickets often result in demerit points being placed on a person’s driver’s license. These points are used to monitor repeat traffic offenders. As demerit points accumulate, individuals often find that their insurance premiums increase.
Some motorists accumulate so many demerit points that their licenses are temporarily suspended. Ontario’s system for speeding demerits includes the following categories:
- 0 to 15 km/hr over the posted speed limit. Results in no points with a minor infraction and a fine of $2.50 times km over the speed limit.
- 16 to 29 km/hr over the posted speed limit. Results in three points with a minor infraction and a fine of $3.75 times km over the speed limit.
- 30 to 49 km/hr over the posted speed limit. Results in four points with a minor infraction and a fine of $6.00 times km over the speed limit.
- Over 50 km/hr above the posted speed limit. Results in a 30-day license suspension and a fine of $9.75 times km over the speed limit times $1.25.
- Over 50 km/hr above the posted speed limit while street racing. Results in a seven-day license suspension, vehicle impoundment, up to two years additional license suspension if a person is convicted, and fines between $2,000 to $10,000.
All motor vehicle operators in Ontario begin with no demerit points and accumulate them as they receive speeding citations. Points remain on a driver’s license for two years following the date of the offense. If an Ontario driver violates speeding regulations in the states of either New York or Michigan as well as any other province in Canada, demerit points will also be placed on the driver’s license.
Enforcement of Ontario Speed Regulations
All law enforcement officers in Ontario, as well as the rest of Canada, carry radar devices to determine when motorists are speeding. Recent technology developed by Transport Canada utilizes a GPS as well as a speed limit map to monitor vehicle speeds. Canada law enforcement is currently in the process of implementing this technology in a more widespread manner. These devices are used to make sure that drivers on Canada’s roadways follow speed regulations and stay safe from accidents.
Speak with an Experienced Ottawa Speeding Lawyer
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we understand just how traumatic the aftermath of a car accident can be, especially one caused by a speeding driver. We are prepared to help victims fight for the compensation that they deserve.
To learn more about how we can help, contact our law office today to schedule a free initial case evaluation.
