Edmonton residents are raising serious safety concerns about the Alberta government's proposal to increase speed limits on divided highways across the province. The criticism comes in response to a recent provincial survey seeking public input on potentially higher speed limits.
Safety Evidence Ignored in Speed Limit Proposal
Readers point to compelling evidence from British Columbia that demonstrates how increased speed limits lead to more accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The fundamental physics is clear: faster-moving vehicles cause more severe damage upon impact. Despite this well-established safety data, the provincial survey under Premier Danielle Smith appears to prioritize economic considerations over public safety.
The survey's section on economic benefits raises particular concern among safety advocates. Serious injuries and vehicle damage resulting from high-speed crashes create enormous financial burdens that can devastate families and overwhelm healthcare systems.
Transparency Questions Surround Government Consultation
Critics note the survey's framing seems designed to generate positive responses about raising speed limits, rather than gathering balanced feedback. The questionnaire specifically asks respondents what they like about increased limits while omitting questions about potential drawbacks.
This approach follows a pattern Albertans have seen with previous government consultations on pensions, policing, and immigration. In those cases, survey results were never made public, raising questions about transparency and whether public feedback actually influences policy decisions.
Local Election Analysis and Public Health Concerns
In related commentary, Edmonton residents defended their recent municipal election choices, arguing that voters supported candidates based on merit rather than partisan alignment. The election of Andrew Knack reflected appreciation for his experience and responsiveness, while concerns about campaign financing influenced other races.
Meanwhile, Alberta faces another public health challenge as the province leads North America in measles infections per capita. This troubling achievement has positioned Canada as the measles leader throughout the Americas, surpassing Mexico, the United States, and Bolivia.
The measles outbreak represents a significant setback for a G7 nation, with public health experts pointing to misinformation and anti-science sentiment as contributing factors to the province's vaccination challenges.
