OPINION: It is a bad idea to lower speed limits

Toronto is the latest city to lower speed limits on some residential streets, to 30 km/h. Fans of the plan say it will make streets safer, but Postmedia driving columnist Lorraine Sommerfeld says it's a terrible idea. 

This interview has been edited for clarity and length

"You can't make people do something by slapping up a sign." 

The people behind the plan have good intentions, says Sommerfeld,  "but intentions don't make good law." While she acknowledges the studies that show slower cars do significantly less damage than faster ones, she says behavioural studies also show us that lower speed limits don't necessarily translate to slower drivers. In fact, she argues that drivers will see the new limit as unreasonable, and will become irritated by it-- which could lead them to drive more dangerously. 

"Our brains will respond to reasonable situations." 

Sommerfeld says roads are engineered for specific speeds, so if a wide, smooth, road suddenly has a lower speed limit on it, we'll find it hard to obey. If politicians really want us to slow down, they should narrow roads, or install medians, and we'll react accordingly. 

"Everyone who shares the road has an obligation and a duty to be aware of what's going on around them." 

In the end, Sommerfeld says, it's up to all of us to make roads safer. Drivers must do their part, but cyclists and pedestrians must be aware of their surroundings too, and parents need to teach their children the ways of the road.