Mounties in Alberta are asking motorists to make safer choices, with police suggesting that 2026 could see the most traffic fatalities in the province since 2015.
As of Aug. 31, the Alberta RCMP has recorded 192 fatalities on roads within its jurisdiction, compared with 144 during the same period last year.
Officials reported that based on historical trends, Alberta Mounties would typically record about 82 traffic fatalities between September and December. If that pattern continues in 2026, the year could end with 274 fatalities.
The RCMP said that June was the only month in 2026 that recorded fewer fatalities than the four-year average, while every other month has surpassed that average.
“Behind these numbers are families, friends, and neighbours grieving the loss of someone they loved,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic.
“A few seconds of poor decision-making can have lifelong consequences. That’s why we’re asking every Albertan to stay focused and make safe choices on the road.”
Additionally, the Alberta RCMP is seeing increases in traffic-related injuries and high-risk driving behaviours. Compared with 2022, the number of collisions resulting in non-fatal injuries has gone up by 24 per cent.
Officials said from January to August, officers doled out 570 tickets to drivers traveling at least 50 kilometres per hour over the speed limit. The RCMP said that is the highest number recorded since 2022.
Other offences that have seen a rise since 2022 include:
- The use of electronic handheld devices or distracting behaviour violations – up 52 per cent
- The impaired operation of a motor vehicle (alcohol and drugs) – up 15 per cent
- Driving without due care or attention – up 14 per cent
- Intersection violations – up 13 per cent
The RCMP said many of the behaviours that contribute to serious collisions and deaths are preventable, including excessive speeding, distracted, and impaired driving.
Mounties added, “traffic fatalities leave empty spaces that never get filled.”
