There’s no such thing as speeding a little: new education campaign targeting fast drivers

HAMILTON, ON – Today, the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Police Services are launching a new education campaign targeting fast drivers. Part of the joint Vision Zero Action Plan, the education campaign is focused on transforming roadway safety with a simple goal: zero fatalities or serious injuries on roadways. Vision Zero emphasizes safe speeds, safe roads, safe vehicles and safe drivers.

Over the month of March, the City and Hamilton Police will be targeting fast drivers with a new education campaign: There’s no such thing as speeding a little – speeding is speeding.

Speeding in excess of the posted speed limit is responsible for a high percentage of injuries and fatalities resulting from motor vehicle collisions. Controlling vehicle speed can prevent collisions from occurring  and can reduce the severity of injury when they do occur, especially when vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists are involved. Appropriate vehicle speeds allow motorists more time to stop, reduce stopping distances and lessen the likelihood of a collision. 

The City and Hamilton Police Services are encouraging motorists to:

• Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to go. Leave earlier so you do not rush to your destination.
• Pay close attention to the speedometer. Take a quick look down to see how fast you’re going and adjust your speed accordingly. Use the cruise control option to set a safe speed.
• Be cautious: Do not speed through intersections, even if you have the right of way – especially if pedestrians and cyclists are present in the area.
• Be especially careful at night, early evening, early morning, or if the sun is in your eyes.
• Slow down for older pedestrians who need more time to cross the road or children playing near or crossing the street. 
• Be courteous to all pedestrians who share the road with you. 
• Treat pedestrians with respect.
• Stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school zones.
• Practice safe, mindful driving habits to improve road safety and decrease road injuries and fatalities

Additional traffic safety campaigns under the Vision Zero umbrella will begin later in 2019, and will include a focus on distracted driving, back to school safety, pedestrian crossovers and roundabouts, seatbelt safety and more.

“One of the keys to safer driving on our streets is the obeying of our speed limits. Together we can bring driving speeds down and ensure our roads are safer for our families. Lives matter and driving the speed limit saves them.  Let’s do our part and drive safer”- Fred Eisenberger, Mayor

“Speeding is the cornerstone of aggressive driving. Drivers need to slow down, drive according to conditions and move over for emergency responders. With the assistance of all road users, we can reduce injuries and collisions. Together , Stronger, Safer”. - Martin Schulenberg, Superintendent - Support Services, Hamilton Police Services

“Driving at safe speeds is extremely important to the liveability and safety of our community. Exceeding posted speed limits puts our children, neighbours and families at risk. As we implement Vision Zero in our community, motorists need to consider these consequences and drive at a safe speed at all times.” - Edward Soldo, Director Transportation Operations & Maintenance, City of Hamilton