Opinion
Apr 14, 2026 •
Linda De Jonghe File
No one seems to be happy about how fast traffic moves.
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This is a common topic at council meetings, and I bet the police hear complaints every time they interact with the public. It feels like everyone is in such a rush.
I’m sure not everyone speeding is in a hurry. Many people dislike following others, so they overtake and drive way too fast. There’s something thrilling about taking risks that appeals to a lot of folks, making it more exciting than just trailing behind someone who drives slowly like me.
How many of you believe that safety on highways 401 and 403 has improved since they upped the speed limit from 100 to 110 kilometers per hour? I don’t think so. Those who habitually exceed the speed limit are likely to keep doing it. Many say that “they,” referring to the police, won’t stop you for going just ten over because it’s seen as a minor infraction, so driving at 90-plus in an 80 zone or 120-plus in a 110 zone is viewed as acceptable.
My research from studies conducted at Mc Master and Toronto universities indicates there’s been only a slight rise in collisions on the 400-series highways due to higher speed limits; however, there’s been a marked increase in fatalities since then.
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<p. Otterville and several other communities have set up those illuminated speed signs at village entrances. I think they work somewhat for certain drivers, but eventually many just ignore them altogether. Some reduce their speed for the sign thinking maybe they're being tracked but accelerate right after passing by. From my view, it certainly hasn’t eased traffic near my home, and I know it’s even worse out in rural areas.
I’ve noticed that stop signs don’t mean much to many people anymore-just like speed limits do not. They might slow down somewhat but rarely come to a complete stop; we all know that this kind of traffic violation often leads to accidents and fatalities. There’s always outrage following deadly crashes when everyone realizes these incidents could be avoided if only …
I agree something needs fixing here but must recognize it’s not solely about road conditions. The roads themselves don’t cause accidents; they simply exist. Widening lanes, flattening hills, adding stop signs or rumble strips-none of these changes will resolve the issue of people disregarding traffic laws.
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All speeding drivers should face consequences no matter how slight their overage is-big fines or possible license suspension would make many think twice about their speeds. I’m sure we can all agree that tougher penalties might help more people pay attention to their driving speeds. I follow traffic rules because I can’t afford hefty fines; others need to realize that serious financial consequences could alter their lifestyles or even lead them to lose their vehicles.
This problem is human-made and requires human solutions-better enforcement is key here. One major hurdle in addressing this issue is having enough police officers available for effective law enforcement. Residents often complain about seeing no police presence; however, I spot officers driving through Otterville almost daily-and I believe they patrol other areas regularly too-but merely passing through doesn’t really give them insight into what’s going on day-to-day around here. I’ve invited them over for coffee on my porch so they can observe firsthand what happens during busy hours but haven’t received any responses yet.
How many more individuals will endure life-altering injuries or families mourn loved ones lost due to traffic incidents caused by someone’s disregard for the law?
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