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Inattention likely cause of many accidents

Re: “Police crack down on Malahat speeders,” Sept. 2. My wife and I just returned from a nice trip to Edmonton. We drove the Yellowhead Highway, a road that winds through the mountains with speed limits of 100 to 110 kilometres an hour.

Re: “Police crack down on Malahat speeders,” Sept. 2.

My wife and I just returned from a nice trip to Edmonton. We drove the Yellowhead Highway, a road that winds through the mountains with speed limits of 100 to 110 kilometres an hour. There was no carnage, simply a smooth flow of traffic.

While it is true higher speeds result in more spectacular crashes, I believe the majority of accidents happen at intersections and at lower speeds. I think the main problem is that regular users of the road have become so familiar with it they treat it with contempt and quit paying attention. Lowering the speed limits even further will simply result in even more inattention and more accidents.

I live on Salt Spring Island and if I must go to Victoria, I much prefer to go via Crofton and the Malahat rather than Swartz Bay and the Pat Bay Highway. It is quicker and a much nicer drive. In the end, people must take responsibility for their own actions. Pay attention to your driving and you likely will not have an accident at any speed.

Remember, the chief cause of accidents is the nut that holds the steering wheel.

Kerry Butler

Salt Spring Island