Operating Model Restructuring: Does Speed Kill?

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Humorous docu-vid makes strong case against 'artificially' low speed limits

Road safety is not to be taken lightly. Each year, thousands die on American roads, with driver error as a leading cause. Throughout motorized history, one of the prime ways used to curb deaths has been through speed limits. But are today's speed limits too low? We see both sides of the argument, even though we yearn to live in a world where we can go as fast we want (we hear that place is called "Germany"). More importantly, are speed limits set intentionally low so that – *gasp* – municipalities can make money off of ticket revenue?

This video, by Six 7 Films, doesn't advocate for a world without speed limits. Rather, the Vancouver-based film takes a hard look at what it calls artificially low speed limits that exist for no other reason than to line the pockets of insurance companies, governments and fuel media hand-wringers. It also suggests that roads might actually be safer if people were moving a bit more quickly. The spot isn't all doom-and-gloom seriousness, though, as it features a few entertaining pop culture references from Super Troopers, Back To The Future and The Simpsons. Even the inimitable George Carlin makes an appearance. Take a look below at the video, and the let us know what you think about the state of speed limits in Comments.

View the original article here

Humorous docu-vid makes strong case against 'artificially' low speed limits

Road safety is not to be taken lightly. Each year, thousands die on American roads, with driver error as a leading cause. Throughout motorized history, one of the prime ways used to curb deaths has been through speed limits. But are today's speed limits too low? We see both sides of the argument, even though we yearn to live in a world where we can go as fast we want (we hear that place is called "Germany"). More importantly, are speed limits set intentionally low so that – *gasp* – municipalities can make money off of ticket revenue?

This video, by Six 7 Films, doesn't advocate for a world without speed limits. Rather, the Vancouver-based film takes a hard look at what it calls artificially low speed limits that exist for no other reason than to line the pockets of insurance companies, governments and fuel media hand-wringers. It also suggests that roads might actually be safer if people were moving a bit more quickly. The spot isn't all doom-and-gloom seriousness, though, as it features a few entertaining pop culture references from Super Troopers, Back To The Future and The Simpsons. Even the inimitable George Carlin makes an appearance. Take a look below at the video, and the let us know what you think about the state of speed limits in Comments.

View the original article here

Speed camera in action for Easter break

Staff writers   |  March 27th, 2013

The new cameras on the Smith St overpass will go online tonight.

THE new speed cameras on the M1 at Gaven will be turned on at midnight tonight - just in time to catch Gold Coasters heading off for the Easter break.

A row of five cameras was installed on the reverse side of the Smith Street overpass at Gaven months ago, recording the speed of every northbound car. Until now police have not issued fines for motorists caught by the cameras speeding.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the cameras would go "live" tonight when he launched this year's Easter Road Safety campaign today.

The blitz will see police out in force across the state to crack down on drivers disobeying the road rules, with a focus on the Fatal Five - speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, inattention and fatigue.

"This year's road toll has already reached a worrying high of 70 - 15 more deaths on Queensland roads compared to the same time last year,'' Mr Dempsey said.

"This is unacceptable and I put a challenge out to all drivers in the coming days to make the Easter break fatality free."

Mr Dempsey said the location of the new camera has a history of speed related crashes.

"The cameras will operate in all lanes heading north along the M1 at Gaven, including the Smith Street onramp merging lane," he said.

He hopes the new camera will encourage drivers to slow down in the area and consequently save lives.

"Over time, speed limit compliance at Queensland's fixed speed camera locations has improved, therefore reducing speed-related crash risks," he said.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the Easter road campaign will run for a month in the lead up to and during the Easter school holidays.

"Traditionally road users are at a higher risk over Easter due to the volume of traffic on the roads. The highest risk is when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home," Commissioner Stewart said.

"What should be a happy and relaxing time of year can quickly become a nightmare for families and loved ones affected by road trauma.''

The Gaven speed cameras come after another bank of cameras, also hidden on the reverse side of an overpass, were installed on the northbound lanes of the M1 at Logan in 2011, which has raised millions of dollars in revenue.

Once the Gaven cameras are online unwary drivers could be caught speeding twice within 25 minutes.

Police were unable to provide figures on how many speeding motorists had been detected but not fined by the Smith Street cameras during the trial period.

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