🚨 Think speeding’s harmless? Think again! 🚓 Last year, Alberta RCMP handed out 1,124 speeding tickets over the long weekend! 🚗💨 Stay safe & follow these essential tips to avoid trouble. #Olds #Alberta #RoadSafety 🌟
Stay Safe on the Roads This Weekend: Tips from Alberta RCMP
With the long weekend just around the corner, Alberta RCMP wants to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely. Officers are urging all drivers to stay vigilant, be responsible, and report any dangerous driving they witness by calling 911.
Alberta RCMP Traffic's Sgt. Darrin Turnbull shared some helpful advice for those hitting the road. Along with the usual guidance to drive sober, stay alert, buckle up, and stick to the speed limit, here are some additional tips to consider:
Vehicle Preparedness: Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition, including checking all necessary equipment. If you’re towing a trailer, double-check that it’s properly connected and within the weight limits of your vehicle.
Time Management: Plan to leave with enough time to reach your destination without feeling rushed. If you’re running late, focus on arriving safely rather than quickly.
Minimize Distractions: Keep your mobile phone out of reach by placing it in the glove box or center console. Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and officers will be out looking for those not following this rule.
Last Year's Stats and This Year’s Patrols
During the Labour Day weekend in 2023, officers across Alberta issued over 2,000 tickets, including 1,124 for speeding, 41 for distracted driving, and 46 for liquor and cannabis offenses. “Last year, we issued 50 tickets for unfastened seatbelts alone,” Sgt. Turnbull said. “We will be out again this year, working to keep people safe. I hope our numbers are much lower this year.”
The RCMP’s increased presence on the roads aims to encourage safe driving habits and reduce the number of traffic incidents. They remind all motorists to take their time, stay focused, and prioritize safety above all else.
So, as you get ready for the long weekend, remember these tips and help make Alberta’s roads safer for everyone. Safe travels!