To the Editor:
Lorne Eckersley’s recent column ("This is the Life: New B.C. speed limits reflect speeds many drivers choose”) about a trip down Highway 22 in Alberta gave me pause to reminisce.
Cruising along this scenic Highway 22 recently at the speed limit or above, a semi with two trailers made a move to pass and I wisely slowed down as he drove into oncoming traffic.
Years ago, I had learned my lesson in Ontario. Setting off from Toronto on a film shoot with two vehicles, one of which was pulling a trailer with all of our equipment, we experienced a similar situation.
As there was approaching traffic, the truck driver reclaimed our lane midway through his pass, sending our towing car and trailer off the road into the ditch with the result of trailer splinters and film equipment scattered beside the road for several metres. The truck driver did not stop.
Since then, 18-wheelers passing my vehicle have made me nervous, and the current move to extend the length of the trailers is a daft idea.
So is increasing the speed limit, particularly in these ecologically sensitive times. I see this as a cynical ploy by the government to further Americanize our province, and to relieve pressure on the constabulary who do not enforce the current speed limit in any case. Now they won’t have to be concerned with it.
It appears that our establishment that maintains “law and order” is often bereft of common sense. Caveat emptor!
Creston