As the snow melts and the roads become clear, Alberta RCMP reminds motorists of the dangers of speeding. Posted limits indicate the maximum, legal speed permitted in ideal conditions, however, unsafe speeds increase the risk of collision and serious injury for all road users in any conditions.
According to Alberta Transportation, approximately one in four fatal collisions involve unsafe speeds, and more than half of these fatal collisions occur in rural areas. Last year, Alberta RCMP issued over 60,000 speeding tickets, of which 761 of them were for excessive speeding (50km/h or more over the speed limit). April often sees the highest number of speeding offences, and last year was no different, with 93 excessive speeding violations handed out.
Follow these tips to help ensure traffic safety for yourself and others:
- 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.
"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," says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. "Sadly, speeding is a common traffic violation among drivers, and one of the most threatening to traffic safety."
For more traffic safety tips and information, follow #HitTheBrakes on our Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and X @RCMPAlberta.