Discussions

The speed limit changes on the TCH are stupid and confusing. Why are there even 100 km/h zones? "Did I miss the speed change signs? What is the speed limit here?" Have the speed limit 110, and 80 in zones where required. MIT obviously doesn't adhere to the KIS method - keep it simple.  
 
The passing lanes on #10 north are also stupid. They should be beside each other, not staggered like they are. The passing lanes have done very little to alleviate the passing problems. There is a section on the yellowhead between Minnedosa and Neepawa where the passing lanes are beside each other and it works well. Why can't the rest be done like this?  
 
I'm sure that the Department of Highways had to be rebranded to Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation as too many people were calling it the Department of Holidays.

in the recent accidents at that location  
 
how to fix it, advanced turn arrows will not fix someone running the red whether intentional or not. it is a start though.  
 
there are over head yellow lights on #1 indicating a change coming up so that is covered.  
 
excessive speed, photo radar would help.  
 
2 of the last accidents were caused by running the red if I recall. so the only thing that prevents those accidents is watching out for those vehicles that are not slowing down, and not pulling out until it is safe to do so. self preservation. really unfortunate that the young folks never got the chance to really get good at defensive driving.  
 
In many cases accidents could be avoided by the innocent driver watching out for and avoiding the idiot driver. you have to drive for 2 people.  
 
Bikers say to ride like everyone else is out to kill you.  
 
Maybe a good message for cars drivers, cause a motor cycle versus a car is kinda like a car versus an 18 wheeler.  
 
same result.  
 
I do have concerns that our driver ed program in manitoba I dont believe it addresses defensive driving enough. It teaches the rules and signage etc but not true defensive driving.  
 
The school ed course I took a lifetime ago was very specifically a defensive driving course, now I understand you need to pay extra to get the higher level of awareness course.  
 
placing blame however, does not fix the problem. education and awareness helps. putting in lights, cameras etc is only part of the solution.  
 
so sad for all those involved.

It's always been a bad intersection. We've been waiting years for an overpass and it's not coming, plain and simple. In the meantime, build 3/4 really big speed bumps on each side of the intersection, in the 80 zone. Those will force everyone to slow right down, nobody wants to hit those at 80km an hour.

might be better than speed bumps, especially when entering areas where the speed changes and near major traffic lights.  
 
For the semi to of had the red, the flashing warning lights would of been going for sometime.

Not that it really matters I guess but I think the accident with the semi and pedestrian happened closer to Simplot. From what I've read and heard, the semi driver was not at fault. I feel terrible for the pain and guilt he will now have to live with  
 
As for the other accident with the semi...it angers me. Two young lives lost due to stupidity and selfishness  
 
Defensive driving is definitely needed these days.

goshdarn said "in the recent accidents at that location     how to fix it, advanced turn arrows will not fix someone running the red whether intentional or not. it is a start though.     there are over head yellow lights on #1 indicating a change coming up so that is covered.     excessive speed, photo radar would help.     2 of the last accidents were caused by running the red if I recall. so the only thing that prevents those accidents is watching out for those vehicles that are not slowing down, and not pulling out until it is safe to do so. self preservation. really unfortunate that the young folks never got the chance to really get good at defensive driving.     In many cases accidents could be avoided by the innocent driver watching out for and avoiding the idiot driver. you have to drive for 2 people.     Bikers say to ride like everyone else is out to kill you.     Maybe a good message for cars drivers, cause a motor cycle versus a car is kinda like a car versus an 18 wheeler.     same result.     I do have concerns that our driver ed program in manitoba I dont believe it addresses defensive driving enough. It teaches the rules and signage etc but not true defensive driving.     The school ed course I took a lifetime ago was very specifically a defensive driving course, now I understand you need to pay extra to get the higher level of awareness course.     placing blame however, does not fix the problem. education and awareness helps. putting in lights, cameras etc is only part of the solution.     so sad for all those involved. "

condolences to the families involved, its been a tragic few weeks  
 
just wanted to point out that MPI does offer lots of defensive driving in their DE course, the course is designed that everyone gets the same information across DE programs in MB for a low low charge(one charge fits all) but of course there is a wide variety of teachers and students, Students have lots to take in so forget lots and of course teachers emphasize what they know or feel is best so despite the same books and videos out in the class so as much as MPI tries there is a touch of variation but no extra charges.  
 
One thing that I was pleased to see is a portion of the course education the new drivers about semis, stopping distances, blind spots and the possibility of them not stopping at lights, as well as many other risks, there are many graphic videos on kids who made mistakes around semis too but unfortunately there will always be mistakes with horrific consequences still being made, by ALL drivers, but MPI does do a fair bit to educate the inexperienced in hopes of reducing mistakes and helping them identify others mistakes so they can avoid them  
 
I wasn't there but i do drive semis and it sounds like this latest incident was the semi drivers ignorance of the potential consequences (possibly combined with inexperience watching for mistakes)  
 
 
maybe instead of, or combined with, enhancing the DE program further we should enhance the commercial licensing programs to i:nclude some gut wrenching clips of what happens when they dont pay enough attention too, an interchange would help (have one for portage but not for the #16?) but mainly we need everyone to pay more attention to how dangerous the roads can be, my heart breaks for these families