Rural intersections
In North America, the majority of traffic fatalities occur on rural roads (Driver Error Cited In Ontario Crash That Killed 11 – Feb. 8). Faster speeds and the lack of safety features on divided highways, such as guard rails, controlled access, etc., are factors. A number of these accidents occur at intersections, which more often than not have simple stop signs controlling traffic flow.
Several years ago, I was one of the first people to happen upon a crash in the rural community of Virgil, Ont. A pickup on a through route struck a minivan that had apparently gone through an intersection. Both vehicles ended up in a ditch some distance from the intersection. Three people died; the aftermath – the smells, sights, feeling of helplessness – was one of the most traumatic things I’ve experienced.
One of the stop signs was somewhat obscured by shrubbery and vegetation. I was sure that after such a severe crash, shrubbery would be cleared and a more prominent stop sign or rumble strips would be installed. They never were.
Are we doing enough to make rural intersections safe? Obviously it is not feasible to have a stoplight or clover interchange at every intersection, but would rumble strips or larger, more prominent stop signs prevent such tragedies?
Mike Deinhart, St. Catharines, Ont.
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Moral compass?
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews approves of the use of torture to obtain information to prevent loss of life (Ottawa Tells Spies To Use Possible Torture Info In ‘Exceptional’ Cases – Feb. 7). I am sure dictators around the world use the same argument. Has the minister lost his moral compass? Has CSIS lost its moral compass? Has Canada lost its moral compass?
James Bartleman, former director of security and intelligence in the Department of External Affairs, former Ontario lieutenant-governor
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Safe sex, everybody
Once again I read with mounting frustration your editorial comment that the onus is on the person who is infected with HIV to disclose (The Right To Know And Say No – editorial, Feb. 8). Once again I feel compelled to remind you that 25 per cent of persons infected with HIV in Canada do not know their status. That is why it is vitally important for both partners in a sexual relationship to ensure that they are practising safe sex. As a nurse, I have met countless patients who have been infected by partners who were unaware of their status. This is an important public health message that all Canadians need to hear.
Jane McCall, Delta, B.C.
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Spirit of equality
Re The Life Of A Politician’s Wife (Feb 8): In the spirit of equality, are we going to see an article on the life of a politician’s husband?
John Grimley, Toronto
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B.C.'s real wealth
Alberta is discussing how to “compensate British Columbia for the perceived risk from a new pipeline and tanker traffic” (Alberta Seeks Way To Pay For B.C. Support Of Pipeline – Feb. 8). Perceived risk? The language of this debate requires close scrutiny. British Columbians are not imagining the level of risk involved in these pipeline and tanker projects. People sometimes forget why we love this province. Our true wealth lies in our natural capital.
T.A. Stafford, Vancouver
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Words for word
Has the CBC risen to a new low (‘In A Debate, I Think It’s Gloves Off’ – Arts, Feb. 7)? Instead of enhancing its literary brand – think of Eleanor Wachtel or Shelagh Rogers’s robust menu for the mind – CBC has chosen to offer us the Pablum of Anne-France Goldwater’s literary musings. I, for one, am going on a hunger strike.
François Lambert, Montreal
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Pickle paradise
