It’s time to put the brakes to drivers who think provincial highways are a racetrack.
Alberta’s new Transportation Minister Ric McIvor is looking at getting tougher on the worst speeders on Alberta’s roads.
Anyone who has driven on Highway 2 will have a story about a fellow traveller who flew by them at dangerous speeds.
One of the proposals McIvor is investigating is seizing cars of drivers found to be going at excessive speeds.
As much as something needs to be done, this isn’t the right step.
There are many families who rely on their vehicle to get to work or to take thier children to school.
Although leaving the car in the driveway will provide temptation for the excessive speeder to get back behind the wheel taking someone’s car could hurt those who depend on the family car.
McIvor’s proposal has not set out specific guidelines as to what will be considered excessive speed.
However, the Province issues drivers licenses and if someone is caught driving at an excessive speed — whatever those guidelines will be — their driver’s licence should be suspended until the issue is resolved in court.
People who drive excessive speeds are asking to be in a collision. Before they can cause a collision perhaps they should take a hit themselves — in the wallet.
As part of this proposal the Province could increase fines substantially for those caught driving too fast on Alberta roads.
In the end, it is about drivers changing their attitudes.
Today, fewer people get behind the wheel after having too much to drink — it is frowned upon in society.
Now its time for compulsive speeders to also change their habits not just for their own safety but for the safety of all who use the roads.
