RCMP statistics show an alarming number of Alberta traffic fatalities and collisions since the beginning of warmer weather and the accompanying busy highways and roads.
Since the May long weekend through to Wednesday, 75 people have been killed in traffic collisions in Alberta. That’s about one fatality each day since May 15.
The numbers, released Friday, are for areas of RCMP jurisdiction only, including Red Deer and other parts of Central Alberta.
Over the same period, there have been 1,071 collisions involving an injury, 125 motorcycle collisions, and two pedestrian deaths.
RCMP Cpl. Hal Turnbull said the numbers are alarming and police are urging the public to exercise more care and caution on Alberta roadways this weekend.
“When you see 75 (fatalities) that’s a lot of families impacted,” said Turnbull, who is with RCMP K Division Strategic Communications in Edmonton.
Summer means more campers, trailers, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians travelling throughout the province.
RCMP will be out in full force over this long weekend, including enhanced checkstops Saturday evening in the Red Deer area and right across the province and country as part of National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.
Turnbull said they will be checking for things such as making sure people are belted up in their vehicles, trailers are hitched according to standard, children are in proper seats, while also keeping an eye out for drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs. These checkstops will be in prominent visible areas to drive the message home, Turnbull said.
RCMP offer the following safety reminders:
- Obey posted speed limits;
- Don’t drive distracted — put away electronic devices and concentrate on driving;
- Wear seatbelts and ensure children are safely buckled in an appropriate child restraint;
- Don’t drink and drive;
- Be aware of others on the road — summer weather means sharing the highway with motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists.