The Alberta RCMP is urging motorists to drive responsibly during Canada Road Safety Week and the Victoria Day long weekend.
Canada Road Safety Week runs May 12 to 18. The national campaign, organized in partnership with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, focuses on reducing dangerous driving behaviours and improving safety on roads across the country.
Police said officers will increase patrols and enforcement efforts throughout the campaign, with a particular focus on impaired driving during the holiday weekend and National Impaired Driving Prevention Enforcement Day on May 16.
RCMP Sgt. Darrin Turnbull said this year’s theme, “Road Safety — Every Road. Every Day.
Everyone,” serves as a reminder for motorists to avoid impaired, distracted and fatigued driving, follow speed limits and ensure passengers are properly restrained.
“While education is a key part of Canada Road Safety Week, it goes hand in hand with increased enforcement, which we will be carrying out over the long weekend,” Turnbull said. “We want to ensure motorists are practicing safe, impairment-free driving to make our roads safer for everyone.”
Police said impaired driving continues to pose a serious public safety risk, while texting and using electronic devices behind the wheel can lead to preventable crashes.
Drivers are also being reminded to avoid driving while overly tired, as fatigue can reduce focus and slow reaction times.
The Alberta RCMP said the initiative is part of a broader national effort to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities while improving safety on Canadian roads.
