Speeding is one of the most reported factors associated with crashes. While many people consider speeding to be driving above the speed limit, it also applies when you drive too fast for weather, road or traffic conditions. The higher the speed, the longer the stopping distance, the less control you have of your vehicle and the greater the impact of a crash.
Speed kills. Each year in Manitoba, an average of 23 people are killed because of speeding.
How speed limits are determined
Speed limits are designed to reduce risk and are determined by a variety of factors – traffic, pedestrian volume and road design. When they are set, they assume that road and weather conditions are ideal. That means in poor conditions such as icy roads or low visibility, the posted speed limit is too fast.
Watch: 60 Second Driver – Default Speed Limits
Reduced limits in school zones
Keep an eye out for that school zone sign. When driving in a school zone, the speed limit will be significantly lower than the default speed limit. Learn all about school-zone driving here.
Reduced limits in construction zones
Speed limits are lower in designated construction zones, whether or not workers are present, and the fine for speeding is double the cost of a regular ticket.
Watch: 60 Second Driver – Construction Zones
Watch for construction workers. The flag-person helps control traffic flow in their area, so pay attention to their signals.
Slowing down for emergency vehicles
Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers passing by a roadside emergency vehicle must move to the farthest lane from the scene whenever possible. Drivers also are required to slow down to:
- 40 km/h when the posted speed limit is below 79 km/h,
- 60 km/h when the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher.
Watch: 60 Second Driver – Passing Emergency Vehicles
Speed, weather conditions and other risk factors
For the majority of the year, Manitoba drivers are often faced with the challenge of conditions that are less than ideal. From blowing snow to down pours, to icy streets, gravel roads and curving highways, sometimes slowing down well below the speed limit is a must.
Weather
Weather can affect road conditions and your field of vision, requiring more time and distance for you to stop.
Watch: 60 Second Driver – Winter Conditions
Road Surface
Be mindful of if you are driving on pavement, ice or gravel. Different road surfaces will change the time and distance needed to stop.
Watch: 60 Second Driver – Gravel Roads
Road Design
Curving roads and highways require extra care in steering and control. Slow down to the recommended speed or lower, considering the road and weather conditions.
Penalties
In addition to threatening the safety of all road users, speeding can also threaten your wallet. Manitoba has some of the highest speeding fines in North America.
Fines for travelling 10 km/h over the posted speed limit start at $181.50. If given a ticket by law enforcement, the fine will effect your Driver Safety Rating (DSR) and the price you pay for your licence and insurance (if you’re caught for speeding by a photo enforcement camera, your driver’s licence and insurance premiums will not be affected). In designated construction zones, the set fine for speeding will be doubled, even if there are no workers present.