Editor's Note: The statistics on speeding and speed-related accidents on Atlantic Canada’s highways are startling. Eighty per cent of motor vehicle accidents could be avoided with one more second of response time. The solution is simple, slow down. So, why won't we?
SaltWire journalists explore our Need for Speed in this three-part series.
In Part 1 we meet Eric Payne, who lost a leg and eventually his 23-year military career because of a motorcycle accident. We’ll also look at the psychology of speeding and why so many of us decide to risk the consequences.
We hit the highway in Part 2, with truckers' stories of close calls, tips on avoiding collisions with the massive moose, and insight into tools used to fight speeding.
The voices of police and paramedics fill Part 3 of our series. It is they who deal with the direct aftermath of tragic, sometimes fatal road incidents.
PART 1
Driving expert: ‘Speeding has been normalized in Atlantic Canada’
Experts say a one-second reaction can save your life in a highway accident. But, they add, the faster you drive, the less likely you are to have that second.
How Eric Payne found inspiration after life-changing collision
A career-ending motorcycle accident put Eric Payne in a "dark place". He found his way out, and he's helping others find their way.
Worth the risk? Speeders feel rewarded by arriving, psych profs say
Drivers who speed are underestimating the risk and overestimating the benefit. That is a mistake.
‘People have died for the sake of 5 km/h’: slowing down key to winter driving
Diving instructor Al Evans has a pretty good idea why people have accidents, and it's all down to driving to conditions.
There are times RCMP Sgt. Oliver Whiffen wishes people could see the awful results of traffic accidents. Then again, he says, "People shouldn’t have to see that."
Dash cam shares not always beneficial, police say
Driver's-eye-view videos are bringing people's traffic trials to the world. But how legal are they?
Fighting speeding tickets ties up police resources in court
Sending officers to court to help prosecute speeders is part of "the cost of doing business," says Police Chief Tim Moser
PART 2
White knuckles and white lines: transport drivers have seen the good, bad and ugly on our highways
Professional drivers see dangerous situations daily. The solution, some suggest, lies in the way our roads are built.
Can't outrun light: police use high-tech tools to fight speeding
Once the realm of science fiction, beams of light are now helping officers control highway speeds.
Maxing out highway speeds: setting limits a provincial responsibility
Think a local speed limit is too high - or too low? Who you gonna call?
New Brunswick struggles with preventing moose-vehicle accidents
New Brunswick and Newfoundland have the highest incidence of moose-vehicle accidents in the region. Preventing them is proving to be a challenge.
When you hit the highway, be ready when you meet your moose!
Driving tips for when motorist meets moose!
PART 3
Not a victimless crime: First responders say speeding-related accidents affect many lives
“The two minutes that you think you’re saving by going faster could mean a lifetime of minutes to someone that you don’t even know," says paramedic Krista Lane
Help available for first responders dealing with PTSD
Daily responses to tragic and traumatic situations takes its toll on police, paramedics.
Locking it in: your cruise could leave you bruised
Driving experts say cruise control is not driver control.
Complaints, citations down since Terra Nova park's passing lanes opened
Can highway design impact driver safety? The experience in Terra Nova National Park suggests so.
VIDEO: Speeding, distracted driving go hand-in-hand says RCMP officer
Driving takes your full attention. It looks like not everyone understands that.
