'Just drive': Alberta RCMP emphasize road safety ahead of long weekend
From texting to brushing their teeth behind the wheel, Alberta RCMP say the poor behaviour of many drivers can create serious safety issues on area highways.
That is why police are continuing with an annual event aimed at reminding Albertans about the consequences of their actions.
Between May 17 and 23, which is Canada's Road Safety Week, the RCMP is conducting activities to reinforce safe driving behaviours and reduce the risk of injuries and death on the province's roadways all throughout the summer season.
Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, with Alberta RCMP Traffic Services, says he has seen all sorts of things that drivers are doing that they shouldn't be over the years.
"It's actually shocking when you look left and look right to see what the driver is doing beside you. When you're driving a vehicle on any roadway, we want you to just be doing the one thing – just drive."
Turnbull says he's just one officer out of hundreds who will be out maintaining safe driving behaviours over the long weekend. He says they will be concentrating on the four main causes of collisions.
"(Those are) distracted driving, speeding and aggressive driving, impaired driving by drugs or alcohol and occupants in restraints – we want to make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelts."
Since it is a long weekend, the RCMP know there will be more people out on the road, either driving to and from activities or visits with friends and family members. Turnbull wants people to understand that a moment of distraction could be the difference between you and a crash.
"If you don't notice what the person does in front of you when they make a mistake, had you been paying attention, you might have avoided the collision."
RCMP WILL WATCH FOR IMPAIRED DRIVERS
In addition to watching for distracted drivers and other issues, the RCMP will be enforcing sober driving.
"In 2021, Alberta RCMP issued 2,321 traffic safety tickets and removed a total of 101 impaired drivers from the roads over the Victoria Day Long weekend," said Insp. Chris Romanchych, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services, in a release.
"The driving decisions you may not only impact you, but also everyone else you are sharing the road with. So this long weekend, we encourage motorists to think of others when they get behind the wheel and to choose safe driving behaviours."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.