Trained Drivers-Not Band-Aid Solutions Needed

As a band-aid solution to reducing traffic fatalities in residential neighbourhoods the City of Calgary, and Edmonton, are looking to propose a bylaw that would lower the speed limit to possibly as low as 30 km/hr. The current speed is fine, according to over 66% in a Calgary Herald Poll, the problem is that of inattentive drivers. Instead of paying attention to what lies far ahead so they can prepare for the situation, many drivers are distracted by searching for a parking spot, or looking for an address, or...

What is needed is modernizing the traffic act that includes training for all drivers. With proper training drivers would learn to properly be aware of the developing traffic situation ahead. We have seen the mayhem when improperly trained truck drivers are allowed on the road with the Humbolt Broncos bus crash. The new regulation that all Class 1 & 2 truck drivers require training does not go far enough. If all driver classes were properly trained there would be even less traffic mayhem on our roads.

When my son got his learners license, I let him drive. As we drove down the highway, he was so intent on keeping the vehicle between lines by focusing just in front of it. With the knowledge that my son flew planes with the Air Cadets, I told him “Driving is like flying an airplane, focus on where you’re headed and aim there.” His response: “Wow, that makes it much easier.” A lesson that has aided him well.

Many countries, including the Netherlands, require that all drivers take lessons before they are allowed to be tested. In Canada training in winter driving conditions should be a must. Every time there is a major snowfall in Calgary there are around 250 crashes. If all drivers were trained in properly controlling a skid, there would far fewer mishaps. Drivers should also be trained in driving the proper speed, not blocking the passing lane by driving too slow, proper signalling, merging, and turning to also help improve traffic flow.    

 It is time to Make The M.A.D. Move and demand from your city councillors to update current driver legislation by collaborating with the Ministry of Transportation in Alberta requiring drivers to take mandatory training. With many more vehicles on the road, we need drivers of those vehicles to drive being totally aware of their surroundings. This will allow them to prepare for the traffic conditions instead of relying on their gadgets and reduce many incidents with proper training.

By adding band-aid laws to remedy a situation might be a short time solution, but in the long run, legislation needs to change to reduce traffic accidents. For proper operation of a motor vehicle, all drivers should be properly trained. Since the last century, there have been many advances in the transportation industry including many new traffic laws.

The transportation system needs to update itself before major progress can proceed towards safer roads. Make A Difference and demand Traffic Law Reform improving the way we get around. Stop adding patches that will not solve the problem.