Alberta RCMP are reminding motorists about the dangers of speeding as the province enters spring and roads start clearing.
Police warn that unsafe speeds increase the risk of collision and serious injury for all road users in any condition.
“April is the start of 'speeding season.' Excessive speed shows a pattern that has a relationship to clear roads, good weather, and typically occurring at peak travel times for families,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic, in a news release.
“Sadly, speeding is a common traffic violation among drivers, and one of the most threatening to traffic safety.”
Around one in four fatal collisions involve unsafe speeds, according to Alberta Transportation, and more than half of these collisions occur in rural areas.
Last year, Alberta RCMP issued over 60,000 speeding tickets, 761 of them for excessive speeding (50 km/h or more over the speed limit).
April often sees the highest number of speeding offences, with 93 excessive speeding violations handed out last year.
Police offered the following tips to help promote traffic safety:
- Leave early – don’t rush. Unsafe speeds increase the risk of collision and serious injury. Allowing yourself extra time to get to your destination helps you to avoid feeling rushed.
- Respect posted speed limits, especially in school or playground and construction zones. These areas often have high pedestrian traffic – you must slow down.
- Speeding isn’t just driving beyond posted legal speed limits, but also driving too fast for weather, road, and traffic conditions.
- If you are a passenger in a speeding vehicle, speak up. Take your life out of the driver’s hands.
Those looking for more traffic safety tips and information can follow #HitTheBrakes on Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta_ and X (@RCMPAlberta).
