The May Long Weekend is traditionally the beginning of summer activities for Albertans which typically means there is an increase in the volume of traffic and an increase in the number of RV’s and motorcycles on the roads. Motorists traveling on Alberta highways throughout this long weekend can expect to see an enhanced traffic enforcement presence to promote safe driving practices as part of Canada Road Safety Week beginning this long weekend and continuing throughout the summer! Alberta’s Integrated Traffic Units (ITUs), which consist of RCMP Traffic Services members and Alberta Traffic Sheriffs, will be focusing their efforts on impaired driving, and distracted driving, speeding and non- use of seat belts and child safety seats. Research and officer experience indicate these are the behaviours that put drivers, passengers and all road users at risk. Canada Road Safety Week is a law enforcement initiative designed to remind the public that enforcement and education are an essential part of efforts to save lives and reduce injury on our roadways.
“Everyone - drivers, passengers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users have a role to play when it comes to reducing traffic injuries” says Superintendent Howard Eaton, OIC “K” Division Traffic Services, “our primary concern is to ensure that all road users get to their destinations safely and enjoy the long weekend”. Superintendent James Stiles, Deputy Director Alberta Sheriffs Traffic Operations agrees, “We do this by reminding drivers of their responsibilities and for those who choose to disregard their responsibilities, they may face some hefty fines, especially with the recent increase in traffic fines.”
ITU Officers provide the following information from the most recent Alberta Transportation Collision Statistics 2013
“Don’t Drink and Drive”
- 797 drivers in fatal and injury crashes consumed alcohol prior to the crash
- 80 people died
- 396 people sustained major injuries
- 737 people sustained minor injurieshttp://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType47/Production/Glance2013.pdf
“Put the Phone Away”
- Text messaging (or texting) on a cell phone – 23 times more likely to crash http://distracteddriving.caa.ca/education/crash-odds.php
“Don’t Speed”
- Speeding increases collision severity
- 1 in 4 drivers in fatal collisions (25.3%) and 1 in 10 drivers in injury crashes (9.7%) were driving at an unsafe speed
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType47/Production/Glance2013.pdf
“Buckle Up”
- Seat belts worn correctly can reduce the risk of death in a collision by 47% and risk of serious injury by 52%
· Proper use of child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by 71% and injury by 67%.