Today the world faces an environmental crisis created by vehicular and industrial pollution that threatens the health and well-being of not just human beings, but also of all life forms on the planet.

One of the ways that toxic vehicle emissions can be reduced is by the introduction of electric vehicles. These vehicles also reduce the dependence on petroleum products and provide clean-running transportation.

There are several big advantages in using such vehicles and many governments the world over have begun encouraging the development of such technologies. Vehicle manufacturers have introduced hybrids in a bid to make the transition smoother and explore the different user requirements and responses before they launch pure electric cars.

Though there are some niche manufacturers who have been producing electric vehicles for a long time, they have never really caught the imagination of a wider public audience. So far, electric vehicles have been used as local neighborhood rides like golf-carts, in-campus transport, senior-citizen facilities in airports, stations, hospitals etc. Electric cars available in some cities across the world are used as local runabouts, and are usually the second car in the family.

The reasons are not hard to find: Range, battery-life, higher initial cost, smaller size and long battery re-charging time are definite deterrents in adoption of electric vehicle technologies.

Electric vehicles are low on maintenance and running-costs. Most countries offer attractive tax breaks for owning an electric car. They also provide you with the satisfaction of running a quieter, cleaner and less dangerous vehicle and that’s really doing your bit for the environment and the future generations to come.

Pickering personal injury lawyers stay abreast of such developments to better serve their clients. 

Ontario Rules Regarding Low Speed Vehicles

A new regulation released in July 2017 mandates the rules for the use of low speed vehicles (LSVs) in the province of Ontario. A pilot program has been launched to support new, emerging technologies that help people to commute safely and efficiently and ensures a limited environmental impact. Reducing air pollution and dependence on conventional fuels is another stated aim of this project.

Regarding LSVs, the government has released a report entitled Cars Are Evolving and this report describes the Ontario government’s aim to achieve its climate change goals by encouraging the use of a more sustainable transportation model that can reduce our carbon footprint.

Some of the key features of the pilot project include:

• Maximum speed regulations for LSVs
• Where they can be driven
• Signage to be attached to the slow moving LSV
• Meeting motor vehicle standards
• LSV owners and operators should have insurance policies that meet the requirements of the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act. This provides a minimum $5 million coverage for liability, $1 million for non-catastrophic/$2 million for catastrophic medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits
• Current Highway Traffic Act rules apply to the LSV driver/owner
• Class G or higher driver’s license required
• Rules for seat-belts, child-passengers, side-cars

Keeping these factors in mind, if you or a dear one has been injured in an accident involving an LSV, contact a Pickering personal injury lawyer with experience in dealing with such cases, immediately. You may be entitled to compensation.