Recent research puts Canadian drivers firmly in the category of at least occasional speed demon, but with so much riding on jobbers’ reputation for quick delivery, it raises the issue of where your company company policy for delivery drivers and others who drive for on the job lands.

The research, conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), found that nearly 70 per cent of Canadians admit to speeding in a residential area at least once in the last year, half say they regularly speed on the highway, and fully one in five drivers say they regularly drive well over the speed limit.

The most startling conclusion that this writer takes from those high level figures is that, in addtion to having a heavy right foot, they are also liars; neighborhood speeding is rampant–more drive above the pokey neighbourhood speed limits than below in my experience–but mostly, thankfully, without consequence.

And with only half saying they speed on highways, tells me that at least half are being honest. Driving on a highway at the speed limit–with few exceptions–means becoming a mobile chicane that in my estimation is more dangerous that going with the flow of traffic that seems to be commonly 10 to 15 km/h over the limit.

And while speeding in our private lives has its risks, there are additional issues to contend with when it occurs with delivery vehicles wearing parts store branding, as well as those who work in other capacities for a company that require driving (outside sales for example.).

You should certainly have written policies on safe driving for your organizaiton. These will not only keep employees and superviisors informed of where respnsibiliteis lie, but also provide avenues for effectively dealing with non-compliance with safe practices, and likely help mitigate liabilities should a driver have a serious collision traceable to their behaviour.

It should go wihtout saying–but I’ll say it anyway–everyone in your business should understand the consequences of dangerous driving behaviours including but not limited to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

You may have a zero tolerance policy on DUI for example, but you also need to make sure everyone is aware of it.

You should have explicit HR policies on these, but as an addendum, consider including a specific safe driving for work procdures document that all employees can sign.

There is a template created by WorkSafeBC downloadable here

As always, consult your HR professionals for specific policy requirement in your jurisdiction.

But regardless, even low-level speeding has big risks.

“Higher speeds reduce drivers’ reaction time and increase the risk to themselves and everyone else,” said Kristine D’Arbelles, senior director, public affairs, CAA National.

“Speeding increases your stopping distance, making a collision more likely and severe, but it saves you only a small amount of time,” D’Arbelles added.

According to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, travelling even 10 km/hr over the speed limit increases the likelihood of a collision by 60 per cent, while saving the average driver only four minutes on a trip.

The information comes from national polling conducted by CAA into drivers’ self-reported behaviour.  On average in Canada, about a quarter of fatal collisions involve speeding, according to Transport Canada’s National Collision Database.

“CAA encourages everyone to respect speed limits to help keep everyone safe,” says D’Arbelles.

CAA’s poll also revealed that speeding isn’t limited to young people. While 50-plus drivers self-reported doing it a bit less, all age groups admitted to persistently going over the limit.

This attitude could be fueled by the fact that only 35 per cent of Canadians think they will get caught for speeding, according to the poll.

This research is part of CAA’s yearly survey of Canadians’ driving habits. The fall 2024 survey also found that 4 in 10 Canadians admitted to running a red light, 68 per cent drove when they were too tired and 54 per cent admitted to using their phone while driving at least once in the last year.

CAA encourages everyone to follow these easy tips to ensure you keep yourself and others safe:

1. Don’t forget speed limits are posted for ideal weather. As we head into winter, we should all try to respect the speed limit or slow down to ensure the safety of all.
2. Keep a safe distance. Increasing the distance between you and the car ahead can help give you the time you need to recognize a hazard and respond safely.
3. Drive slowly through community safety zones and residential areas. Expect additional pedestrian or bike traffic in these zones and watch for children running across the road or darting out from between parked cars.
4. Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Pay extra attention if you see someone is about to or has already entered the crosswalk.
5. Be patient. Pedestrians with disabilities, children or seniors crossing the road may need more time to get to the other side.

The latest CAA findings are based on a poll of 2,880 Canadians carried out from September 13 to 21, 2024. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-1.9%.