The Alberta RCMP reminds motorists that warmer weather and clearer roads don’t make speeding any less dangerous or illegal.
According to RCMP, 48,600 speeding tickets were issued last year in areas under its jurisdiction. In April alone, 4,283 violations were recorded. Meanwhile, officers laid 9,419 charges for aggressive and dangerous driving.
“Speeding is one of the biggest threats to traffic safety, and unfortunately, it’s a common traffic violation among drivers,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull with Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Stay safe this ‘speeding season’ by respecting the posted speed limit, even when you’re in a hurry.”
The RCMP cited Alberta Transportation data indicating that roughly one in four fatal collisions involve unsafe speeds. More than half of those fatal collisions occur in rural areas. Transport Canada data shows that speeding is a factor in 27 per cent of road fatalities and 19 per cent of serious injuries.
RCMP advised drivers to allow extra time to reach destinations, obey posted limits — especially in school, playground and construction zones — and adjust speed to match weather and road conditions. Passengers were also encouraged to speak up if a driver is speeding.
“Speeding isn’t just surpassing legal speed limits, but also driving too fast for weather, road, and traffic conditions,” the release stated.
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