Why This Report On Speeding Is Sadder Than The World Cup

The Tournament of Sadness

On Buzzfeed, the 2014 World Cup is referred to as the tournament of sadness; but what is even sadder is the recent report that speeding-related deaths have increased over the last year. In fact, speeding is the leading cause of vehicular deaths than distracted or impaired driving. Of the 113 deaths so far this year on Ontario roadways, speed was a factor in 33 of those cases. Incidentally, distracted driving is in second place at 24 fatalities, with impaired driving making up less than 10%. According to OPP, in 2013 officers doled out approximately 300,000 speeding charges, with about 1% of them involving the motorist driving 50 km/h or more over the speed limit. 

Who's to blame for these deaths? Speeders? Roads? Vehicles? Those who set the limits on the various roads? Is speeding the only reason why these deaths occurred, or are the factors much more complex than that? 

Have Modern Vehicles Overwhelmed Human Biology?

In an opinion column for NewScientist, Frank McKenna maintains that while our modern vehicles have indeed evolved into faster, more accurate machines, our human bodies have not, which leaves a significant gap between the mechanical performance of ever-faster vehicles and the biological limits of the human body particularly our reflexes that impede our ability to react to a faster vehicle, and our skeletal make-up in withstanding impacts at higher speeds. When we run full speed, every part of our body is honed in on that act: our heart is pumping, we feel the wind in our face, and this incredible experience of movement that is pushing our strained bodies through space and time. Contrarily, in a vehicle, the only bodily pressure we feel is from our large toe on the gas peddle, and yet we are easily traveling at speeds 4-5 times faster than what our bodies have been designed for. There is in such cases very little feedback: we do not feel strain or the wind in our faces; in fact, other cues that would point to faster speed, such as engine strain, has been eliminated from modern vehicles. Not to mention that we really feel no movement at all compared to running at 30 km/h. 

Author Douglas Rushkoff On Present Shock--When The World Moves Too Fast

Present Shock As Driver Of Speeding Fatalities

There is another factor that contributes to such speed related deaths other than simply speeders: We are living in a world driven by technology that is becoming smarter and faster everyday. Our technological world is thus creating daily conditions in which we expect everything to move faster, to be downloaded faster. Our expectations of the amount of work that ought to be completed has been skewed by the continuous increase of technological intelligence. This too, in support of Frank McKenna's observations about the speed of cars, overwhelms our biological limitations. We are not designed to move, think, meet, complete tasks, communicate so fast--and the trouble is, technology is only moving faster. This, according to Douglas Rushkoff, is called "Present Shock," that is, when the present moves so fast, we are shocked by it and cannot get a clear handle on it. We are no longer overwhelmed by future states, but the present moment by it's sheer complexity and change overwhelms us. Such social and cultural conditions play a tremendous role in our need for speed; and our automobiles become not only an extension of our present shock, but of an entire world being dragged behind by technology run amok; as if our vehicles are a symbol for our inability to keep up with the shock of the now. 

Now this will eventually remedy itself once we transition fully to self-driving vehicles (in fact, such statistics on speeding and death indeed further warrant such a transition) whose speed will be controlled by the vehicle itself; but for the interim, we need to individually allow the knowledge of these statistics to encourage us to change our behaviour.

Can We Not Slow Down?

How do we stop it? We have to start at the level of our individual selves: try to slow down, limit technology, and learn to drive slower. If speeding fatalities is such an issue, then our legislators need to be petitioned to lower the speed limits, otherwise such articles as that referenced in this entry is just a whack of blown smoke, and no use to anybody. 

Check Out These Amazing Glow In the Dark Roads Tested Now In The Netherlands

We are applying technology to every facet of human civilization. What if a road were more like a computer screen? This road design in the Netherlands is being prototyped and tested right now, as part of the Smart Highway Project as a way to create more sustainable and interactive highways, states the Gobal News.

Another similar project in road technology is called Starpath, which is a road surface that takes in light during the day, and glows at night. This is in response to city councils in the UK cutting power at night to conserve energy. The spray creates an illuminative surface on roads and sidewalks that restore much-needed light for pedestrians and motorists. 

Will these technologies be available in Canada? Over time they most likely will: who doesn't want to conserve energy and light roads at the same time. Given that these are very new technologies, it will take time to move from prototype to ubiquity--but not too much time, given the laws under which technological change emerges.

Another solution is Solar Freakin' Roadways: The use of solar panels to replace asphalt on the roads with energy regenerating, money saving, highly visible solar panels. As you see, the possibilities are endless.

We have seen a latency period in development of roadways; we've created countless more roads than at any other time in human history, but have put very little innovation into the actual 'stuff' of roads--what materials they're manufactured with, and how those materials respond to a panoply of environmental conditions and vice versa. We have created roads whose materials heat up the atmosphere, but do nothing with that wasted heat. Waste, according to the futurist Buckminster Fuller, is unharnessed energy. This is what these new road designs are attempting to solve, and it's very promising--unless legislative bureaucracies and myopic decision makers mess the whole thing up...

How Cool Are These Vehicles That Use Cameras Instead of Mirrors!

The greatest misconception about the future is that it will merely resemble the past. Technology builds on itself to create faster, cheaper, and more intelligent machines. These solutions offered by Texas Instruments are stepping stones to vehicles whose intelligence and performance can only be dreamed of...

Ever thought about how archaic car mirrors are? They protrude from the sides of vehicles in ways that even the best designers cannot beautify; they are a hassle to clean and scrape off in the winter time (in spite of those car models that offer heated mirrors); and they are prone to being knocked off, smashed, and bumped into whether by car or human bodies. And even with all the hassle, the mirror provides such an imperfect view of the road, creating blind spots for which we have to crane our necks, and take our eye off the front of the car to check. 

The schematic of the mirrorless car can be seen more fully at the FastCo.Design website. 

"For car manufacturers, 'the side-view mirror is more of a nuisance,' [Texas Instruments] solutions marketing engineer Hannes Estl tells Co.Design. Without the design constraints of an exterior mirror, car makers would have more freedom to shape the look of their vehicle. Cameras are lighter and smaller than any mirror--most automotive backup cameras fit in a 1-inch cube. And without the extra weight and wind drag from those fat side mirrors, fuel efficiency could get a major boost.

The Future of Driving: Mirrors All Over Your Car, FastCo.Design

Texas Instruments, among many other companies in the world designing compelling vehicle innovations, is creating products that have rendered the need for interior/exterior mirrors obsolete, simply through the use of video cameras placed at certain points around the vehicle. What I like about this is not only the obvious functionality of the video cameras that provide a multi-dimensional vantage point, but also, as a designer, the seamlessness of the technology within the overall look and feel of the vehicle itself--not to mention the increase in fuel efficiency to boot. 

There are, however, obvious criticisms to these kinds of technological developments, such as the very simple one: what if the camera malfunctions due to breakdown or being hacked into? As mentioned in other Mass Insurance posts, by giving more control over to the vehicle's technological system, we are in less control of the vehicle itself. Whose to blame if the camera malfunctions? Who gets charged? Who covers the costs of the infraction, the individual or the technology company? And did anyone else think that the length of time it took for the woman to get into her vehicle in the vacant parking lot in the darkness of night a tad too long? Between all the steps to get into her vehicle, log in her information, and find the thermos she left on the roof, a predator would have plenty of time to attack. There remains as well the issues of privacy: Who holds all the information that your vehicle acquires and tracks? These will continue to be critical questions and issues as our vehicle technology advances.

These PSAs Are So Good You Just Have To Watch Them

Most of us are guilty of these driving infractions; but many of our loved ones are lost each day to the error proneness of humans behind the wheel of a car. These PSAs attempt to warn us of the small errors of driving that turn into large consequences.

This PSA from New Zealand plays on the way in which a simple miscalculation can cost lives. 

This PSA from the US forces us to look at the dangers of the simple act of texting while driving. How often do you see commuters around you bobbing their heads up and down plunking out, or reading, a text? Happens all the time, and the consequences are horrifying.

The message here is embrace life and wear your seatbelt. When we're driving, even when we're alone, we're not: We have those in our lives who love us and to whom we are responsible. When we put on our seatbelt, we acknowledge that we are loved and needed.

This video is all about paying attention when driving. As noted in a previous post, the very act of driving does very little to stimulate the brain, which leads to lapses of attention. The PSA below shows the dangers of such lapses.

10 Secrets To Surviving A Global Flu Pandemic That You Really Need To Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) months ago confirmed a new type of avian influenza virus in humans, identified as A(H7N9) in the People’s Republic of China. Most cases develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties, with some resulting in death. Today, the publication Science released a digital map of the regions with the highest risk for transmission and spread of H7N9. 

There is emerging information that suggests the possibility of some limited human-to-human transmission of this virus in China; however, there is currently no evidence that suggests on-going human-to-human transmission. According to the Health Agency of Canada, the risk to Canadians remains low. That said, full extent of this outbreak, the source of infection and the mode of transmission are currently unknown.

There also remain very serious tactical and logistical problems that exist, particularly for the delivery of vaccination over a global landscape when hours and days matter. 

This is Professor Adrian Hill (Co-Director, Institute for Vaccine Design, Oxford Martin School of the Future) talking about the complex issues surrounding vaccine distribution in the event of a pandemic. 

The question remains, in spite of low risk, "What would you do in the event of a widespread global pandemic?

The question remains, in spite of the current “low risk” in Canada, what would you do in the event of a pandemic? According to Daniel Barnett, M.D., an instructor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Preparedness Programs, “With a deadly influenza pandemic, it’s a question of when, not if.” With global warming and poverty, the risk of highly disruptive pandemics continues to grow.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for a pandemic:

1. Stay Informed: Should such a pandemic flare up, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Health Agency of Canada will provide information on the spread of disease, as well as updates on vaccines and other medications, tips for keeping safe, and other advisories.

2. Wash Your Hands Frequently: This is the single most powerful defense against avian influenza and many other infectious diseases. Also, keep with you an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer. Be sure not to touch your face while out in public. If you are opening doors, or pressing buttons on the elevator, get in the habit of using a tissue as a buffer between your hands and the handle/lever/button.

3. Food: Ensure you have enough food to last for at least 8 weeks, choosing shelf-stable foods, such as rice, canned goods, dry goods, cereals, and powdered milk.

4. Hydration: Stock up on drinks, water, coffee/tea, and other forms of hydration, including electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gatorade. At the least, you should have a 2-month supply of water.

5. Medication: Stock up on prescription medications, with a two-month supply. Include in this Tylenol and Advil as forms of fever reduction. Keep vitamins well stocked up as well.

6. Hygiene: Have a two-month supply of hygiene products, such as toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine products, diapers, etc.

7. Practice Social Distancing: Avoid going out in public. The greatest way to prevent becoming infected is to avoid exposure to infected people. Social distancing, especially avoiding contact with large groups of people, is a reasonable precaution to take in the event of a pandemic.

o   Stay at home

o   Try to work from home

o   Keep children home from school

o   Avoid public transportation

o   Stay away from public events

8. Wear a Respirator: These look like surgical masks, but protect the wearer from inhaling germs. You can buy reusable ones with replaceable filters.

9. Wear Medical Gloves: Medical gloves can prevent germs from getting on your hands. They should be removed if torn, damaged, and hands still must be washed after wearing them.

10. Seek Medical Attention at Onset of Symptoms: The effectiveness of antiviral medications decreases as the illness progresses, hence prompt medical treatment is critical. If you’ve come in contact with someone who you think is infected, seek medical attention immediately, even if you are unsure whether or not you’ve been infected.

And now, in August of 2014, the Ebola Virus is spreading through Africa, and causing us here in North America to pause at its spread while one patient in Brampton is currently being held under testing.

Have Your Kids Or Dog (Or Both) Jacked The Interior Of Your Car? Here Are 9 Tips For Reclaiming It

Do you lament over the days when you took pride in the interior of your car? Does it now look like a play-pen gone wild? Or worse yet, a dog crate? It’s time to reclaim your vehicle. Here are some simple tips to bring back those halcyon days of pride in your car.

1. Slide seats forward and clean out the junk underneath: This is a brutal job—definitely enemy territory. Lord only knows what’s under there: bowl of half-eaten cereal, baby’s diaper, take-out refuse. Also clean out those door pockets.

2. Vacuum: After clearing all that stuff out, vacuum the seats, remove the mats and vacuum the carpet underneath. If you have a brush feature on your vacuum, use it on the dashboard control panel of your car.

3. Get Serious: Use a Carpet Cleaning Machine: If you look under your rubber mats and the carpet is in rough shape, you might want to consider renting a carpet cleaning machine for both the carpets and cloth seats, if applicable.

4. Use a Microfibre Cloth for Surfaces: Wipe down the dashboard and in and around the doors, plastic armrests, etc—anywhere it is dusty.

These microfribre cloths are awesome for interiors. They're even good to keep in your glove compartment for those time when you're sitting at a red light and notice your dashboard is covered in dust. Simply take it out and do a little detailing while you're waiting for the light to turn green.

5. Clean Inside of Windows: Use either a window-cleaner, a natural, non-chemical product is recommended, or make your own with one-part vinegar and three-parts water in a spray bottle. Use a rag or paper towel to remove streaks. And remember: open the window to reveal the top edge and get that whole area clean—it’s one of those things you just can’t hide when you’ve drawn down the window on that commute home.

6. Brush Out Air Vents: These louvers are a real magnet for dust, and a vacuum with brush attachment won’t get at it all. Take an inexpensive paintbrush and a light shot of Pledge furniture polish. Work the brush in and through the crevices to collect the dust. Wipe the brush off with a rag and move on to the next one.

This gets into some real detailing, but if you want that meticulous interior, or you're preparing to sell or lease bust your vehicle, this is an important step.

7. Scrape Off Annoying Stickers: Have your or someone else’s kids gone sticker crazy in the back windows of your car? High-quality stickers will pull off if you can get under a corner and work it carefully through at a 90-degree angle. Others will leave grimy residue and demand more attention. Use a plastic putty knife and some Goo Gone to get rid of it.

8. Remove Odor: There are countless products on the market to get rid of those nasty odors in your vehicle. Choose one you like, and put it to use. Just because you have a dog or a child, doesn’t mean your car should smell like it.

9. Take it Out for a Spin: Enjoy your clean car. Get it out for a spin—it’ll feel great. Just remember to lay some newsprint down on the floor to keep it spotless—at least for one day…

Check Out This Mom As She Panics While Her Son Stunt Drives!

Stunt driving is not only about rolling the car on two wheels Dukes of Hazzard Style. Did you know that running a left turn on a solid green light before the traffic facing you goes ahead is considered stunt driving and, if convicted, will cost you a huge fine? It's that subtle. 

Read on...

Bill 203 Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act, 2007

Indeed, Bill 203 Safer Roads for a Safer Ontario Act of 2007 is not only out to bust these heart-stopping drivers who wildly race Ontario streets--and, it should be noted, risk their lives and those in vehicles around them--but also, as the Act defines "stunt," those for example who simply want to let off a bit of steam, or smoke, and squeal the tires at a green light, or make a left turn at a just-turned circular green before the vehicle facing the opposite direction is able to proceed straight through in response. It also of course includes those who drive under the influence of alcohol and aggressive drivers. 

Still wonder what "Stunt Driving" and "Race" and "Contest" refer to? Here are the definitions from the Highway Traffic Act, Ontario Regulation 455/07:

Definition of "race" and "contest"

"Race" and "contest" include any activity where one or more persons engage in any of the following driving behaviours:

1. Driving two or more vehicles at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed an in a manner that indicates the driver of the motor vehicles are engaged in competition.
2. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to chase another motor vehicle.
3. Driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway or in a manner that may endanger any person by,
1. driving a motor vehicle at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed,
2. outdistancing or attempting to outdistance one or more other motor vehicles while driving at a rate of speed that  is a marked departure from the lawful rate of speed, or
3. repeatedly changing lanes in close proximity to other vehicles so as to advance through the ordinary flow of traffic while driving at a rate of speed that is a marked departure from the lawful rate  of speed.
4. By "marked departure from the lawful rate of speed" means a rate of speed that may limit the ability of a driver of a motor vehicle to wisely adjust to changing circumstances on the highway.

One deterrent for racing and stunt driving is casualties among young people. Even so, there is a tendency among this demographic to engage in high-speed racing and stunt driving. Sad but true.

Definition of "stunt" driving

"Stunt" includes any activity where one or more persons engage in any of the following driving behaviours:

1. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to lift some or all of its tires from the surface of the highway, including driving a motorcycle with only one wheel in contact with the ground, but not including the use of lift axles on commercial motor vehicles
2. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to cause some or all of its tires to lose traction with the surface of the highway while turning
3. Driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to spin or cause it to circle, without maintaining control over it
4. Driving two or more vehicles side by side or in proximity with each other, where one of the motor vehicles occupies a lane of traffic or other portion of highway intended for use by oncoming traffic for a period f time that is longer than reasonable required to pass another motor vehicle. 
5. Driving a motor vehicle with someone in the trunk
6. Driving a motor vehicle while the driver is not sitting in the driver seat
7. Driving at a speed that is 50 kilometres per hour or more over the speed limit
8. Driving a motor vehicle without due care or attention, without reasonable consideration for other persons using the highway or in a manner that may endanger any person by,
1. driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to prevent another vehicle from passing
2. stopping or slowing down a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates the driver's sole intention in stopping or slowing down is to interfere with the movement of another vehicle by cutting off its passage on the highway or to cause another vehicle to stop or slow down in circumstances where the other vehicle would not ordinarily do so,
3. driving a motor vehicle in a manner that indicates an intention to drive, without justification, as close as possible to another vehicle, pedestrian or fixed object on or near the highway, or
4. make a left turn where,
1. the driver is stopped at an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal system in response to a circular red indication;
2. at least one vehicle facing the opposite direction is similarly stopped in response to a circular red indication; and
3. the driver executes the left turn immediately before or after the system shows only a circular green indication in both directions and in a manner that indicates an intention to complete or attempt to complete the left turn before the vehicle facing the opposite direction is able to proceed straight through the intersection in response to the circular green indication facing that vehicle.

Did you read the National Post story, published July 31, 2013 about the 85 year old woman charged with "stunt driving"? She was going 50 kms/hr over the speed limit, lost control of her vehicle, ran across a few front lawns, accidentally running over and killing a pedestrian and her dog. 

What kind of penalties are you facing if you are charged with stunt driving or racing under the safer roads for a safer ontario act?

It can be no less than painful:

• Immediate seven day license suspension of the driver of the vehicle,
• Immediate seven day vehicle impoundment of the vehicle being driven at the time of the incident,
• Fine amounts ranging from $2,000 - $10,000
• Possible drivers license suspension of up to two years
• Six demerit points registered on your record. 
• A second conviction could have harsher penalties, such as license suspension of up to 10 years and possible jail time.

What are the insurance implications if charged under this act?

Insurance companies consider racing and stunt driving serious offences, with many raising their rates by as much as 100% for a first-time offence of stunt driving and/or racing. There have been some reports of insurance companies cancelling clients' policies completely for stunt driving and/or racing, even when they have no other convictions on their record. 

There's also, God-forbid, the loss of life your life and possible those around you. We are connected in a complex fabric of interweaving threads all of which have free will and act spontaneously to ever-emerging phenomena. While it may seem like a thrill--and there's no doubt it could be--there is more at stake than possible damage to your car. One way to respond to the desire to stunt or race is to picture yourself accidentally killing another human being; then white-knuckle the steering wheel, bare down hard, take a deep breath, and resist.

Warning: This Unbelievable Secret To Winston Churchill's Success May Put You To Sleep!

Nature had not intended mankind to work from 8 in the morning until midnight without the refreshment of blessed oblivion, which, even if it only lasts 20 minutes, is sufficient to renew all the vital forces.

--Winston Churchill

There is a growing interest online and elsewhere in napping: the benefits of doing it, how to do it optimally, and when to take one. There is a growing body of research that shows that napping can boost your mental and emotional responses to everyday stimuli, while lowering your risk of heart disease. Not to mention that sleep deprivation is one of the more significant causes of vehicle collisions.

Other Famous nappers

Thomas Edison was renowned for his power naps.

         

Here's artist Salvador Dali without the key trick: a method he used for a one-second nap that supposedly amped his creativity. Edison was fond of this method too.

Leonardo da Vinci apparently slept almost exclusively in power naps: 15 minute naps every four hours. Try to negotiate that kind of an arrangement with your employer.

Albert Einstein was also a power napper, and practitioner, along with Dali, of the Key Method

In spite of these, and other high-achieving nappers, there remains a stigma that napping is for lazy people and slackers. Would you call into question any of these men’s achievements?

Why napping will make you feel awesome:

·      Increases alertness: A NASA study found that a 40-minute nap increases alertness by 100%.  The insight is that if you break up your day with a nap, you will be as alert and energetic for the second part of your day as you were for the first.

·      Improves learning and working memory: Your working memory is that used when engaging in complex tasks in which you are focused on one thing while holding other things in your memory. Napping also improves your memory retention.

·      Heightens your senses and creativity: According to nap scientist Sara C. Mednick, napping can greatly enhance your sensory perception as effectively as a night of sleep. It also enhances your creativity by setting you back from your task, and allowing thoughts to congeal and make necessary connections.

Whether you’re planning to nap in your office or at home, here are some tips that can help get you on your way:

1.     Nap after lunch: This is the best time, given that there’s a natural dip in stamina that takes place as the body is digesting.

2.     Find a good place to nap: About 30% of employers allow employees to nap at work. If you’re one of the lucky ones, and there’s a napping place at work, use it. If you have a private office, that’s a no-brainer. If you have none of these, and it’s not thirty-below outside, you can power-nap in your car. Put your phone on ‘do not disturb’, set a timer for 20 minutes, and enjoy.

3.     Select the kind of nap you need: Different amounts of time yield different results. A 10-20 minute power-nap is ideal for a boost in alertness and energy. 60-minutes is best for improvement in remembering facts, faces, and names. 90-minutes involves a full cycle of sleep, which aids in creativity and emotional and procedural memory, such as riding a bike. This length of sleep time will minimize sleep inertia.

4.     Make sure you still get a good night’s sleep: While naps can restore focus and concentration during a work day, you need a full night’s sleep to stay healthy and functional during the day.

5.     Caffeine?: Some maintain that you should limit your caffeine to the morning to maximize your nap, while other maintain you should have your afternoon coffee just prior to your nap. Taking it before will allow time for the caffeine to absorb, helping you feel less groggy upon waking up.

Go on...give napping a try

If you are already a napper, then more power to you. If you are an employer, consider integrating this option into your work-day for those who would want to take advantage of it, noting to your employees the benefits for productivity and overall health. If you are not a napper, but are now convinced that you should become one, then give it a try, and reap the benefits.

In What Ontario City You're Most Likely To Be Killed If You're A Pedestrian--We'll Skip #9...

In November of 2013, the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton (SPRC) did a study on the number of pedestrian deaths per 100,000, and found that Hamilton was the second most dangerous city for pedestrians next to Windsor that ranks as the most number of pedestrians who die while walking, usually by impact from motor vehicles.

The Council's research reached some other startling conclusions for city planners: Hamilton pedestrians are 42 percent more likely to be injured compared to other Ontario cities, and the risk to the safety of cyclists was noted as high as 81 per cent higher than the provincial average.

As pressure heats up for sustainable design in every facet of civilization, city planning and amendment that facilitates those who walk, ride, or take public transit is critical for 21st Century urban sustainability. We do not want cities to become dead-zones or ghost towns, as in many U.S. and some Canadian cities, but rather thriving ecosystems of social-cultural activity; and we do that by providing safe places for people to walk, and safe lanes for cyclists to bike, and very clear signage for motorists to navigate the thruways, arteries, and intersections of the urban landscape.

Indeed, in the wake of urban advocates and visionaries such as Jane Jacobs, the term 'walkability' has become an important way for cities to be measured according to how friendly they are to pedestrians. Factors that help planners and analysts to understand the walkability of a city are:

• Presence and absence of quality footpaths
• Sidewalks or other pedestrian rights of way
• Traffic and road conditions that surround pedestrians
• Land use patterns, that is, what portion of the city land is given up to parking lots and roads versus footpaths, streets for people, and mixed-use pedestrian/commercial areas
• Building accessibility
• Safety

According to Wikipedia, 'Walkability' is defined by "The extent to which the built environment is friendly to the presence of people living, shopping, visiting, enjoying or spending time in an area.

In light of such findings, and other findings related to sustainable urban design, pedestrian death and safety, and meeting the needs of rapidly expanding cities, the Ministry of Transportation has posted a "Proposed legislative and supporting regulatory amendment to the Highway Traffic Act," the motions of which include,

• Assigning three demerit points upon conviction of a distracted driving offence
• Requiring drivers to yield the whole roadway to pedestrians at school crossings and pedestrian crossovers (changed from the current 'half-road' requirement)
• Allowing for new pedestrian crossing devices on low-speed and low-volume roads
• Allowing cyclists to use paved shoulders on unrestricted highways
• Requiring all drivers to maintain a distance of one metre when passing cyclists.

These are not just ways to amend pedestrian and cyclist safety, nor simply a warning sign for all of us motorists, but also, and most importantly, such amendments to our current highway traffic act are movements toward more sustainable, vibrant, healthy Ontario cities, and a radical reduction of pedestrian deaths and injury as a result of collisions with motorists.

When an accident takes place, it is not only the fault of the motorist, for we drive in structures designed by city planners that are constantly in flux and ought to morph to new information and the rise of conditions that give pause and force a change of thinking requisite for sustainable, and safe, urban design.

An Alternative To Bankruptcy That More People Are Using Than Ever

Credit monitoring agency, TransUnion, has reported that consumer debt in Vancouver hit $41,077 at the end of 2013—up 7% from 2012, in a recent CBC article. But how does the rest of Canada fair? It doesn’t look good.

Canadians remain on target for a record year of personal debt. At the end of 2013, Canadians owned a total of $27,368 on debts such as lines of credit, credit cards, and car loans. In fact, TransUnion has predicted that the average consumer’s total non-mortgage debt will hit an all-time high of $28,853 by the end of 2014.

One way that Canadians are dealing with rising household debt is to avoid bankruptcy and seek out the option of a Consumer Proposal. In a Globe and Mail article dated August 12, 2013, Canadian bankruptcy has seen a marked decline, while the applications for consumer proposals are on the rise. According to the Globe, “the number of Canadians striking consumer proposals has grown to 40 per cent of total insolvency cases,” a notable jump from 15% in 2006.

What is a consumer proposal?

A consumer proposal is a contract that’s negotiated with your creditors on your behalf by a consumer proposal administrator licensed by the Federal Government, also called a bankruptcy trustee.

A legally binding agreement is put in place to arrange for a partial repayment of your total unsecured debt owing. Under this agreement, you pay a portion of your overall debt, and your creditors will agree to ignore the rest.

The bankruptcy trustee thus sends out a proposal to your creditors asking that they accept payment of less than the full amount of your debt. However, at least 60% of your creditors must agree to the proposal for it to work.

If an agreement is successfully reached, then you would have the opportunity to repay less than the full amount of your debt within 5 years. But if you’re not able to consistently make up your payments on this program, then you might be forced into bankruptcy, given that this is a legal process through the Federal Government.

Advantages

• There is no interest on top of what you have agreed to pay
• Repay less than you owe with a maximum payment period not exceeding five years
• A viable way to avoid bankruptcy
• Creditors and collection agencies can no longer contact you for payment
• You are not in jeopardy of losing your house or other assets

A consumer proposal may be a viable solution if:

• You have debt over $5,000 but not over $250,000--not including home mortgage
• You have a good job and can afford to make payments each month
• You just cannot afford to repay every creditor with full interest
• You can't get a debt consolidation loan because your debts are too high, even with your steady job
• You don't want to lose any of your assets, such as your home or car

A consumer proposal will not:

• Allow you to determine which debts to be included or excluded
• Eliminate support or alimony obligations
• Renege on student loan obligations
• Negotiate on secured debts, such as house mortgage and car loans

Some disadvantages:

• Not all creditors will accept your proposal
• If you default, you're not able to file for another proposal
• It is reported on your credit report, impacting your overall score for 6-7 years
• A fee of around $1,800 is typical, with half up front and the rest after the agreement has been finalized with the creditors.

If you are interested in this further, find a bankruptcy trustee to get a broader picture. There is plenty of information online as well to further help you make this kind of decision.

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What Canadian Province Is Ranked Highest in North America for Speed Traps?

You've been nabbed: You came off the highway, and up a ramp and around a corner, and there was a police officer waving you to the side of the road--you didn't realize the speed you were going while coming off the highway, nor that the limit had dropped significantly along that stretch of road. This is called a "speed trap." It is such a growing issue in Ontario that it is drawing attention from the likes of the National Motorists Association, with one of its members, John Bowman, claiming in a recent Globe and Mail article that it is by definition, "predatory and abusive." Similarly, an article in the Toronto Star calls speed limits, and the traps that catch motorists in the act of breaching them, "cash grabs," noting Mississauga as one of the top cities in North America for speed traps, coming in 5th.

The counter move to the claims by the NMA is that Ontario, in turn, has some of the safest roads in Ontario. And the Ministry of Transportation holds that increases in the speed limits indeed cause more crashes and more fatalities.

With enough said about the realities and legalities of speed traps, here are some tips for avoiding them on the highways today.

• Don't Speed: easy enough, but harder than it actually sounds, especially when you're late for a meeting, or the limit just doesn't feel right to you. If you are speeding, which is not condoned or justified on this blog, then be aware of possible traps at the bottom of hills or rounding curves.

• Get apps that flag you to radar, or check out sites like speed exchange that helps you find the speed traps along your route.

• Buy a Radar Detector: This is a real cat-and-mouse game, but they are becoming more sophisticated. You can buy a good middle of the road one that works fine, or one that is more expensive.

• Know the road Your On: The best tool is simply common knowledge of the roads you drive on, the various routes it takes and where speed traps may be placed. It's important to know the road and keep inside the speed limit to avoid speed traps. 

Do your best to keep watch at all times of radar, and stay within the speed limit. Knowing the roads will sure help. If you happen to be pulled over, be cordial, accept the ticket, and, if need be, fight it in court, rather than get nasty with the officer. 

Tracy Morgan's Limo Bus Crash And What You Need To Know If You're Planning To Party

According to CBC News, New Jersey State Police claim that actor and comedian Tracy Morgan is in intensive care today after the limousine bus in which he was riding with several friends was involved in a multi-vehicle accident on the New Jersey Turnpike. The CBC Report continues

Sgt. First Class Greg Williams tells The Associated Press that the vehicle carrying the 45-year-old former Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock cast member and six others was involved in a six-vehicle accident on the turnpike near Cranbury Township around 1 a.m. ET Saturday. A spokesman at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey, says a patient named Tracy Morgan is in critical condition there.

One person riding in the Limo bus with Morgan was killed in the accident that involved two tractor-trailers, a sport utility vehicle and two cars, in addition to Morgan's limo bus. Police believe a truck rear-ended the limousine-style bus that Morgan was riding in.

This is limousine-bus season, as the weather heats up and fuels party mania everywhere, from secondary and post-secondary grads to capricious bashes. 

Putting aside any unwarranted claims or beliefs about the Morgan incident, if you or a loved one or friend is planning to rent a limo-bus, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:

• Choose Wisely: Shop around for the limo-bus service that offers the safest experience. There are stories around the web of limo-bus drivers texting while driving, allowing drunk and drugged up passengers on the bus, and even removing passengers from the bus if illegal activities are going on. You want a service that can guarantee that their drivers follow a strict set of rules that respect the vehicle, its passengers, and other vehicles on the road as well as traffic laws.

• Get A Chaperone For Those Under 21: The limo driver is focused on getting the passengers to and from their destination safely, but is not in the position to monitor all activity on the bus, such as underage drinking and excessive drinking that can cause serious injury and even death. The chaperone and the driver can collaborate on the safety of the passengers, ensuring that all are safe. 

• Familiarize Yourself With the Emergency Exit: As with an airplane, it's important that you know where the safety exist is in the event of an accident. This will empower you to get out, if you can, and lead others who may be too disorientated to timely find their way out. If you are planning to party, and know you'll throw caution to the wind, appoint the most responsible person to be in charge of knowing where the exit is and leading everyone out.

• Try to Avoid Standing While the Limo Is In Motion: While you don't want to dampen the party, you are riding in a moving vehicle surrounded by a myriad of other vehicles of varying degrees of responsibility and driver acumen. It's not just the driver of the vehicle you need to think about--it's the other drivers around you. The vehicle that struck Morgan's limo was, allegedly, a transport truck. It's best to stay seated and enjoy the ride safely in case you God-forbit get struck and are thrown around the limo.

• Act Responsibly: You are ultimately responsible for your actions. Many find it fun to party, but you also want to make it back home safe and alive. If you see those around you getting out of control, consider drinking less to be a voice and eye of reason to heighten safety and responsibility among your friends. If you're a chaperone, you will need to be fully engaged and present during the entire trip, which means staying off your mobile phone and social media apps. 

Apparently, Tracy Morgan has been planning a baby shower for his fourth child with his girlfriend and partner.  As we're making plans and thinking about the parties and proms, we remember Tracy Morgan and his family, and hope that he will recover well and quickly.

11 Fool-Proof Tips For Safe Driving During Rain Storms That May Surprise You

Driving in a downpour can be brutal--and very unpredictable. How many times have you hit a patch of water and felt the wheels slide out from under you in a split second? Suddenly your heart's in your mouth and you start wondering when you last checked the treads on your tires. Or, your wipers are no match for the sheets of rain that are blanketing your windshield, and you kick yourself for leaving behind those new wiper blades at the checkout of the hardware store. Sitting in a ditch is not the time to ponder morosely the irresponsible speed you were going, nor when the hood of your car is jacked up into the trunk of the car that suddenly slammed on its breaks ahead of you. Worse yet, you're that guy on the nightly news who's been swept down a river because you just had to plough through that harmless puddle that turned out to be a rushing stream on its way to Lake Ontario.

To save yourself the kicks delivered to your backside after the fact, here are some tips for safe driving in the rain that are simple and practical--some are pretty obvious, but others, like numbers 2, 8, and 9 are perhaps not as well known.

1. Slow Down.  It's easier to control the car when you're driving under the speed limit.
2. Stay toward middle of the lane. Roads are built in an arch (called a crown) that allows water to flow off them to the sides. Therefore, avoid the sides of the roads and stay more toward the middle.
3. Don't follow vehicles too closely. Keep the three-second rule: If you can't count to three from the time the vehicle in front of you passes a lamp post to the time you pass it, you're driving too close. 
4. Avoid Using Your Brakes. Simply take your foot off the gas and decelerate to slow down. Hitting your brakes not only may cause you to skid, but can set off a chain reaction that could cause others to hit their brakes in alarm.
5. Turn Your Headlights On. Even in light rain, foggy, or overcast conditions, it's good to have your headlights, and rear lights, on to enhance your visibility and others who are driving past, behind, and around your vehicle.
6. Keep Your Tires Inflated Correctly. Maintain a good tread, and don't put off replacing old tires. Stay away from puddles.
7. Pull Over. If the rain has caused zero-visibility, don't be a hero and continue through it--no one will be impressed if you've launched your vehicle into a ditch or something worse. Pull over, chill out, and hit the road again when the rain has subsided.
8. Avoid Water Flowing Across the Road. You know that stream scenario presented above? You can totally avoid it: if you're driving and see a stream-looking flow of water rushing across the road, stay away from it, or just pull the car over and find an alternate route if possible. Such streams of water often hide bottomless potholes or nails, broken glass, and other kinds of debris  that could harm your vehicle or its tires.
9. Keep Cruise Control Off: The last thing you want is to panic in the downpour and are fumbling with the cruise control lever or hit your break out of habit only to start into an uncontrollable slide.
10. Stay Home. That bag of chips will be no less than a regrettable decision when you've broken the bag open waiting for the tow-truck to haul your car to the garage, because you just couldn't wait till the rain subsided to go out to the store. When it's pouring outside, it's best to just stay in and watch it from the safety of your home.
11. Stay Informed. Before heading home from work or out for a little road trip, check the city weather cables for warnings of extreme weather.