Airdrie commuters may experience another wintery blast this weekend, with temperatures plunging to minus 27 C by Sunday night. Environment Canada meteorologists have already warned of potentially dangerous travel conditions on the QEII corridor, such as extreme cold, snowfall, and the possibility of wind threatening to make roads treacherous.
At the same time, Calgary police are raising alarms over a surge in fatal collisions, with dangerous road conditions, reckless driving, and pedestrian fatalities pushing the numbers to their highest level in over a decade.
"We've already had three fatal collisions so far in 2025, and we're still in the first month of the new year," said Inspector Paul Wozney of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) Traffic Section. "2024 marked the highest number of fatal collisions since the calendar year of 2013 – a continuation of a year-over-year increase in fatal collisions since 2021. It was also the highest year for pedestrian fatalities, with a total of 13."
Fatal collisions at a 10-year high
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There were 29 fatal collisions in 2024, the highest since 2013.
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Thirteen pedestrian fatalities were recorded, more than any year in the past decade.
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Unsafe or excessive speed was a factor in 35 per cent of fatal crashes.
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18 of the 29 fatal crashes involved vulnerable road users—pedestrians or motorcyclists.
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Most deadly crashes occurred in the final quarter of 2024, coinciding with winter weather.
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CPS conducted 85 serious-injury or fatal collision investigations last year, tying 2007 as the highest yearly count on record.
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In 2025, three fatal collisions have already been recorded, two involving pedestrians.
With thousands of Airdrie commuters relying on the QEII, Stoney Trail, and Deerfoot Trail daily, Wozney said investigators must examine the weather, road conditions, and driver behaviour.
"It's difficult to narrow this down to a single cause, as many of these incidents are case by case and can require extensive investigations to ensure all possible contributing factors are examined," he said. "From weather to road conditions to sun glare to distractive driving behaviour to assuming it is safe to proceed when it isn't."
Deep freeze could worsen road conditions
The incoming cold snap may make road conditions over the weekend dicey.
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Saturday: High of minus 12 C, snow expected.
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Saturday night: Temperatures drop to minus 25 C.
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Sunday: High of minus 22 C, with biting wind chills.
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Sunday night: Lows plunge to minus 27 C.
"Having the right of way does not always mean it's safe to proceed, whether in a marked crosswalk or driving through a green light," Wozney said. "It is crucial for all road users first to establish that it is safe to proceed and to cross the road."
Alberta sheriffs increasing patrols on Stoney and Deerfoot
"We have a really good partnership that we have been building with the provincial sheriffs," Wozney said. "We've approached the provincial sheriffs as partners around enforcement, particularly on Stoney Trail. We're going see if we can draw them onto Deerfoot Trail a little bit too."
Authorities say drivers need to take enforcement efforts seriously.
"When drivers see police officers or sheriffs conducting traffic enforcement on our roadways, we must give those police officers the room to conduct their work," Wozney said. "That means slowing down, giving them an extra lane, moving over so that they have the opportunity and ability to execute their duties safely."
Pedestrian safety remains a key concern
While police stress that drivers must slow down and stay focused, they also warn that pedestrians are at risk—even when crossing legally.
"There have been incidents where pedestrians are crossing in crosswalks and have still been struck," CPS said in a media release.
CPS reminds pedestrians to:
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Use designated crosswalks and obey signals.
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Stop at the curb and check for oncoming traffic before crossing.
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Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
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Avoid distractions such as earbuds or phone use while walking.
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Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking at night.
"Distracted driving is through the roof in this community, as it is in every community in this province," Wozney said. "It happens all the time, all the time."
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