Quebec police forces, in collaboration with Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec are joining forces to raise awareness of the risks associated with speeding for all road users. As part of the concerted national operation (CNO) SPEED, to be held from June 9 to 15, police officers will be taking intensive action against drivers who contravene the Highway Safety Code. Speed-related behaviours will be particularly targeted.
Respecting speed limits is essential to ensure the safety of all road users. This is all the more important in the current situation, with the return of warm weather, the resumption of construction sites, which means a greater presence of workers and flagmen around worksites, and the presence of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Behave yourself on the road!
Speed is still one of the main causes of road collisions in Quebec. According to some studies, a 5 km/h reduction in the average speed of traffic would reduce the number of collisions by 15% a year. For example
12 fewer deaths for a reduction of 1 km/h
60 fewer deaths for a 5 km/h reduction
120 fewer deaths for a reduction of 10 km/h
Data based on a total of 400 deaths.
A vehicle driver’s eagerness to reach his or her destination can lead to reckless actions such as overtaking on the right or zigzagging.
If every driver reduced his or her average speed, the number of injuries and deaths on Quebec roads would be considerably reduced.
Speed remains at the heart of SAAQ’s priorities and is one of the 6 themes targeted in the Road Safety Prevention Strategy 2021-2025. In collaboration with its partners, the SAAQ is pursuing its speed-related awareness-raising efforts.
This year, Operation Vitesse will be deployed under the theme “Sur la route, on se conduit bien!”. The aim is to make drivers aware of their responsibilities, and to remind them that they can make a difference and contribute to improving road safety by slowing down. Changing one’s behaviour is the key to safe driving, and everyone has the power to save lives!