Alberta RCMP out this past long weekend patrolling Alberta’s highways


 

Edmonton, AB – While many Albertans were enjoying time with family friends over the Easter long weekend, the RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs were on duty patrolling the province’s roads.

Although some investigations are still underway and not all the data from police has been tallied yet, overall the RCMP saw a decline in the number of traffic infractions and traffic-related criminal offences in its jurisdiction within Alberta during this past weekend when compared to the Easter long weekend of 2015:

Easter Long Weekend 2015 – April 3, 2015 – April 6, 2015

Easter Long Weekend 2016 – March 25, 2016 – March 28, 2016*

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collisions:                                                 2015                  2016

  • Highway Collisions:                                                                     1                         1
  • Off-Road Collisions:                                                                     0                         0

Total number People Deceased:                                                   1                         2

Injury Motor Vehicle Collisions:                                                   28                        7

Injury Off-Road Collisions:                                                             0                        1

Roadside Suspensions (alcohol or drugs):                                   37                       34

Impaired Operation (people charged):                                        83                       49

Theft of Motor Vehicle:                                                                 92                       65

Theft from Motor Vehicle:                                                           103                       67

RCMP Detachment Traffic Enforcement:                         2015                 2016

  • Speeding:                                                                      502                     122
  • Seatbelt:                                                                         22                       12
  • Due Care or Attention:                                                     23                       15
  • Intersection Violations:                                                    44                       11

 

Integrated Traffic Units (RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs):

2015                  2016

  • Speeding:                                                                                 3,482                   2,988

Includes:

o             Driving 50km over posted limit:                                              50                         27

o             In a Construction Zone:                                                         18                          0

o             Passing an  Emergency Vehicle:                                             19                        14

o             In Playground Zone:                                                               1                          0

 

  • Not Wearing a Seatbelt:                                                                 133                      138
  • Distracted Driving:                                                                          59                        37
  • Intersection Violations:                                                                    88                        29

 

*2016 files are expected to increase as investigations continue and data entry is completed.

 

The RCMP would like to remind drivers to be aware that cyclists and motorcyclists are on the road in increasing numbers as the springtime temperatures climb higher with each passing week.  Drivers are asked to be mindful that they are sharing the road now with more people and a wider assortment of vehicles than what they may have experienced on Alberta’s roadways during the cold and snowy months of this past winter.