ram@attcdso.UUCP (R. Meesters, Tech Support, AT&T Canada DSO ) (05/15/89)
...One step up on to the Soap Box....Ahem... What this province (or country for that matter) needs is not to lower (or necessarily raise) the speed limits and various laws regarding the HTA but rather to raise the standards required to drive on the roads today. I think most of us agree that there are too many idiots on the roads, and from my point of view, it doesn't really matter whether they are driving at 10 km/h or 200. These morons cause accidents, whether or not they are directly involved, or just cause an incident behind, in front, or to the sides of them. Whatever speed you are travelling at, a vehicle that weighs in excess of 1000 pounds, can and will kill if used improperly. But I ramble. I think that the government impose stricter standards on drivers licence tests. It's too easy to get a licence to drive in Ontario as it stands now. They should also require that you re-test for your licence after a certain period of time (say 3-5 years). The benefits: Obviously, less people hurt on the roads. Lower insurance rates - less small and large claim accidents. Better driving habits can result in a willingness to increase speed limits, since it will be considered safe to drive at higher speeds. The costs: Many people will not be able to drive. The government will have to increase spending in public transit as a result. Higher costs associated with getting and maintaining a licence in terms of both time and money. This may not find universal agreement, and I realize that if such a plan was adopted, I myself may be left without personal transportation (But personally I think I'm good enough :-}) but I feel this is the ONLY way to provide competent levels of driving on the roads today. ...One step back, off the Soap Box...DUCK!!! :-} -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Richard Meesters | AT&T Data Service Operations | "Calling YOU stupid would Toronto, Ontario | be an insult to stupid people" ...attcan!nebulus!attcdso!ram | - A Fish Called Wanda ------------------------------------------------------------------------------