"The proposed penalties for street racers continue to pile up in Ontario - the latest target being drivers who use nitrous oxide to give their rides extra juice. The substance is popular with racers because it increases horsepower and basically turns their suped-up vehicles into rockets on wheels.

Nitrous oxide is still legal to buy, but the new rules would prohibit drivers from hiding the tanks. They'd have to be visible either on the back seat or in the trunk, essentially making them illegal. Those ignoring the rule could potentially face fines of up to $2000 and jail time. Provincial Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield said the changes basically ban use of the substance for street racers. It would still be available for use by recreational racers who drive on private property.

Police say the substance can pose a danger if a collision occurs because it's highly explosive. Changes to the Street Racing Act are expected to become law later in May. They also include bigger fines for racers and provisions that would allow authorities to seize their cars."

"Racing on city streets has become a public menace in some parts of Canada. During the first five months of 2006, at least eight people were killed as a result of street racing. In response, the federal government wants to create a new criminal offence with mandatory penalties.

Will a new law solve this serious safety problem?

Provincial traffic regulations already outlaw racing. Drivers caught racing in Ontario or Quebec, for example, get a fine and six demerit points. That translates into thousands of dollars in higher insurance premiums, on top of which the driver will likely receive a driving prohibition.

Dangerous driving is a criminal offence with hefty penalties. (In recent tragedies related to street racing, all the drivers were charged under the Criminal Code.) Resources are needed for more effective enforcement and strong action on prevention — including the websites and chatrooms that actively promote this illegal and highly dangerous activity.

The speeding problem is not limited to youths terrorizing city streets. According to Transport Canada about 17 percent of all road users killed annually were travelling at inappropriate or excessive speeds. It is not rare for police to catch adults going 50 km/h and more above the posted speed limit on the highway. Speeding has become a common practice among many Canadian drivers.

Not only do adults set a bad example. The media glamorize speed and reckless driving. Commercials show vehicles racing and swerving on miraculously empty roads, chasing or being chased, and performing daredevil stunts. A culture of extreme sports feeds the appetite for risk.

These factors in no way excuse reckless behaviour, but they all contribute to a mindset which needs to be changed.

As speed increases over 100 km/h, the fatality rate of vehicle occupants goes up exponentially. For example, the chances of being killed in a vehicle at 120 km/h are four times higher than at 100 km/h. When a car crashes near 200 km/h the chances of survival are minimal."