Comments on: The Control Group to the North http://www.howwedrive.com/2008/07/18/the-control-group-to-the-north/ Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:26:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Shane McGowan http://www.howwedrive.com/2008/07/18/the-control-group-to-the-north/#comment-203 Shane McGowan Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:19:01 +0000 http://www.howwedrive.com/?p=122#comment-203 Most of the speed limits in Western Canada are 110km/h (70 MPH) on highways and 100km/h (65 MPH) on secondary highways so I really don't know where "Lloyd Alter" gets his information from... As for fuel, yes gasoline is more expensive (diesel being about the same between Canada and US) but that hasn't stopped people from purchasing large vehicles (which are safer for the occupant)... Also, don't forget that there is no car registration fee penalty for larger/heavier/pricier vehicles in Canada (except Quebec I think) until many states in the US (eg. Colorado) so total (gas + registration) costs should be a wash between the US and Canada. New car prices are higher in Canada currently but 3-4 years ago before the US dollar took a dive cars were generally cheaper in Canada. In fact, used cars are getting cheaper in Canada because so many people are importing cars from the US. Winter driving, I agree on, but then that is one of the excuses auto insurers use here for our higher rates (more fender benders). As an aside, just like you can't compare LA and rural Montana, you really should compare Western and Eastern Canada. Canada is even more polarized between provinces/states and urban/rural than the US is. Most of the speed limits in Western Canada are 110km/h (70 MPH) on highways and 100km/h (65 MPH) on secondary highways so I really don’t know where “Lloyd Alter” gets his information from…

As for fuel, yes gasoline is more expensive (diesel being about the same between Canada and US) but that hasn’t stopped people from purchasing large vehicles (which are safer for the occupant)… Also, don’t forget that there is no car registration fee penalty for larger/heavier/pricier vehicles in Canada (except Quebec I think) until many states in the US (eg. Colorado) so total (gas + registration) costs should be a wash between the US and Canada.

New car prices are higher in Canada currently but 3-4 years ago before the US dollar took a dive cars were generally cheaper in Canada. In fact, used cars are getting cheaper in Canada because so many people are importing cars from the US.

Winter driving, I agree on, but then that is one of the excuses auto insurers use here for our higher rates (more fender benders).

As an aside, just like you can’t compare LA and rural Montana, you really should compare Western and Eastern Canada. Canada is even more polarized between provinces/states and urban/rural than the US is.

]]> By: Paul Stamler http://www.howwedrive.com/2008/07/18/the-control-group-to-the-north/#comment-57 Paul Stamler Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:17:53 +0000 http://www.howwedrive.com/?p=122#comment-57 It is nothing short of amazing that while the unprecedented prices of fuel have generated extraordinary reactions from both the media and citizens, the critical issue of highway safety is being all but ignored. Sure the distress about gasoline and diesel fuel prices is justified. But while the nation is fixated on these costs, people are continuing to die every day on America’s highways. And while there have been some advancements in traffic safety, more than 40,000 people a year continue to be killed in highway crashes every years … many of them children and teenagers. Despite the continuation of this national tragedy, there are some effective ways to reduce these deaths and injuries, many publicized at http://www.trafficsafetynews.com. Posted by Paul Stamler, Publisher It is nothing short of amazing that while the unprecedented prices of fuel have generated extraordinary reactions from both the media and citizens, the critical issue of highway safety is being all but ignored. Sure the distress about gasoline and diesel fuel prices is justified. But while the nation is fixated on these costs, people are continuing to die every day on America’s highways. And while there have been some advancements in traffic safety, more than 40,000 people a year continue to be killed in highway crashes every years … many of them children and teenagers. Despite the continuation of this national tragedy, there are some effective ways to reduce these deaths and injuries, many publicized at http://www.trafficsafetynews.com.
Posted by Paul Stamler, Publisher

]]> By: Ken http://www.howwedrive.com/2008/07/18/the-control-group-to-the-north/#comment-55 Ken Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:33:30 +0000 http://www.howwedrive.com/?p=122#comment-55 Canadians have taken our universal seatbelt laws seriously for the last 30 years. Canadians have taken our universal seatbelt laws seriously for the last 30 years.

]]> By: Lloyd Alter http://www.howwedrive.com/2008/07/18/the-control-group-to-the-north/#comment-52 Lloyd Alter Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:11:58 +0000 http://www.howwedrive.com/?p=122#comment-52 1) speed limits- 100Km/hr on the big highways, (65 mph) and 80K on the secondary highways. 2) gas prices: they have always been higher, perhaps tempting us to slow down. 3) car prices: about 20% higher historically with a population that earns less, so not so many expensive high powered cars. 4) winter: you learn to drive to survive, and that means slowly for about a third of the year. Just a few thoughts that come to mind. 1) speed limits- 100Km/hr on the big highways, (65 mph) and 80K on the secondary highways.

2) gas prices: they have always been higher, perhaps tempting us to slow down.

3) car prices: about 20% higher historically with a population that earns less, so not so many expensive high powered cars.

4) winter: you learn to drive to survive, and that means slowly for about a third of the year.

Just a few thoughts that come to mind.

]]> By: Chris http://www.howwedrive.com/2008/07/18/the-control-group-to-the-north/#comment-51 Chris Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:09:20 +0000 http://www.howwedrive.com/?p=122#comment-51 Once again, the answer lies in a worthwhile Canadian initiative. Seriously though, I'd like to know. Once again, the answer lies in a worthwhile Canadian initiative.

Seriously though, I’d like to know.

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