Area Mounties and sheriffs are on the lookout this month for provincial highway motorists with too heavy a foot on the gas pedal.
In the Innisfail area, members of the Integrated Traffic Unit, comprised of RCMP and Alberta sheriffs, will be especially vigilant if icy road conditions return with a spring storm.
RCMP Cpl. Al Nickolson, who heads the Integrated traffic Services Unit for the QE II Highway, said motorists should be aware at all times that adverse weather conditions could make many sections of the highway immediately problematic.
“It’s always a factor. Our springs are not really definite,” said Nickolson. “You could be having a real nice day but then it could instantly turn into an ice rink.”
He said members of his unit believe many motorists are using cruise control too often, setting up potentially disastrous situations on the highway.
“Cruise control is not something you want to use in icy conditions,’ he said.
RCMP and provincial sheriffs said their members hope to increase awareness and obedience of speed limits on provincial roadways during the month of April, focusing their efforts toward reducing the harm caused by motorists disobeying speed limits throughout the province.
"This is about getting to your destination safely. Speed limits save lives every day; maybe today it’s yours or someone you care about. By the time you realize you’re going too fast, it may be too late,” said Alberta Sheriffs Acting Deputy Chief Rick Gardner.
Superintendent Gary Brine, head of RCMP K Division Traffic Services, said investigations and research show that three out of 10 collisions resulting in fatalities involve driving at a speed unsafe in adverse road conditions.
“Remember the faster you go, the longer it takes to stop and the harder you hit. The ultimate goal of April's speed enforcement campaign is to increase the number of people obeying the speed limit on Provincial roadways,” said Brine.
Alberta’s Integrated Traffic units are asking motorists to keep the following in mind before they head out on provincial roadways.
* The speed limit in both urban and rural school zones is 30 km/h and is in effect on school days from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless other times are posted by the municipality.
* The speed limit in a playground zone is 30 km/h and is in effect from 8:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
* Motorists must slow to 60 km/h, or less if the posted speed is lower, when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped with their lights flashing. Fines for speeding in these areas will be double the regular amount.
* In construction zones, motorists must observe the posted speed. When workers are present fines for speeding in these areas will be doubled.
* Driving too fast does not allow drivers enough time to react to traffic signals such as red lights or stop signs, or other potential hazards that may be present, like children darting into traffic.
