The Town of Carstairs is considering lowering the speed limit on all streets and avenues in town from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. The changes wouldn't affect the highways, which are controlled by the province, or parks and schools, but all other streets in town.
Council will be voting on the motion at an upcoming meeting. Before that happens there will be a public hearing at the Feb. 28 meeting. The town is asking for people's opinions beforehand. So residents can contact the town office and express their concerns.
It is my belief that lowering the speed limit can only be a positive thing. Driving slower can make a big difference when you need to stop in a hurry. The faster your vehicle is going, the longer it takes to stop and the slower your reaction time. When a small child or animal darts in front of your vehicle you want to have time to react.
There are plenty of other factors such as road and weather conditions but those cannot really be affected. Being aware of your surroundings, having your vehicle, especially brakes and tires, in good shape is important as well, of course.
Look, no one likes getting a speeding ticket. No matter what you're doing you never expect it. It may seem like a completely unnecessary and unwanted expense. But if the police have a radar gun and it tracks you going over the speed limit, it's pretty hard to argue that.
If lowering the speed limit in town can slow a few drivers down and possibly save a life, it's well worth it.
- Craig Lindsay is the Mountain View Gazette reporter
