Thirty-six per cent of Canadians admit to speeding

What's the rush? The drive is far more pleasant when it's not whizzing past you, not to mention safer. Even so, more than one-third of Canadians think the posted speed limit is a suggestion.

Wanted: Speed bumps

Ontario drivers, more than any others, admit that speeding is one of their bad driving habits at 42 per cent. Guess that means these same drivers have money to burn. According to Natural Resources Canada, "Decreasing your speed from 120 km/h to 100 km/h uses 20 percent less fuel."

Although the rest of Canada might take it a touch slower when behind the wheel there are still many that admit to speeding on a regular basis:

  • 37.2 per cent of BC drivers admit to it, as did
  • 35.7 per cent of drivers in Atlantic Canada,
  • 33.3 per cent of Manitoba and Saskatchewan drivers,
  • 33.1 per cent of Alberta drivers, and
  • 27.6 per cent of Quebec drivers.

Speeding through life

It's said that the years fly by as you age. If true, the same can't be used to describe how we drive as we get older. In fact, as you get older you're less likely to "fly" when driving.

Of those who admit to speeding:

  • 43.8 per cent were aged 18-34,
  • 37.8 per cent were aged 35-44,
  • 35.8 per cent were between 45-54,
  • 32.2 per cent were 55-64, and
  • 26.2 per cent were 65 or older.

The gender divide

Men more than women admit to speeding: 40.6 per cent versus 31.4 per cent.

Speed demons beware

The posted limit isn't a suggestion; it's the maximum speed you should be driving when conditions are ideal. When conditions are not ideal adjust your speed accordingly. If you speed, or do not drive according to the weather and road conditions, don't be surprised if you see a police cruiser behind you.

It's all about safety; according to Transport Canada, collision statistics show that 27 per cent of fatalities and 19 per cent of serious injuries involve speeding.

Confessions of a Canadian driver: In depth

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