How fast is too fast to drive on residential streets? The Ontario government wants to take a look at speed limits – maybe lowering the maximum to 40 km/h from 50 km/h.

Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca will consult with municipalities to discuss the changes and drivers are already weighing in with their thoughts.

“I don’t think that would be a problem. I think in town I think people go too fast now, especially through school zones,” said one driver.

A study by the World Health Organization shows that a person being struck by a vehicle travelling around 45 km/h has a 50% chance of being killed. Someone being struck by a vehicle travelling around 30 km/h has a 90% survival rate.

Driving instructors say even small variations in speed can make a big difference to the end result.

“The faster you’re going, obviously it’s going to take your vehicle longer to stop to make up for the velocity and the mass of the vehicle,” says Drive Wise instructor Steve Overend.

Municipalities will get the chance to have their say in the coming months through questionnaires and a series of seminars.