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RCMP stressing traffic safety tips ahead of Back-to-School season

Sep 1, 2018 | 10:38 AM

LETHBRIDGE – September is here, and that means Back-to-School season is in full gear.

Police expect Alberta highways to experience increased traffic with people returning from their holidays, Labour Day long weekend, as well as public transit and school buses operating their regular routes. 

The Alberta RCMP is taking this time to remind all drivers, students, parents and anyone who uses the road that traffic safety is a shared responsibility between everyone.

During Labour Day long weekend in 2017, there were 394 motor vehicle collisions in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction alone, four of those involved fatalities while 47 involved injuries. 

In 2017, speeding was believed to be a factor in at least one out of five fatal MVCs and impairment by alcohol or drugs was a factor in at least one out of three fatal MVCs.

Alberta Traffic Sheriffs Superintendent, Rick Gardner, says, their number one priority in Integrated Traffic Units is to ensure that all road users are safe. 

“With the Labour Day long weekend upon us, we remind drivers to share the road with other motorists and to respect the law,” Gardner continued. “Speeding and impairment by alcohol and drugs remain a leading cause of death on Alberta roads – please drive sober and free of distractions.”

Gary Graham, a Superintendent with RCMP Traffic Services, says, as students head back to school they encourage everyone to remain alert and respect the law. 

“School bus safety, crosswalk safety and school zones will be top of mind. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. Do not speed or drive impaired,” Graham added.

As students head back to the classroom, police want people to keep the following traffic safety tips in mind:
–    Students: Walk on sidewalks, use marked crosswalks and controlled intersections (wherever they are available) or where there are lights/crossing guards, and refrain from listening to loud music and texting while walking – it’s not cool.
–    Parents: Take the time to go over important safety tips with your children such as making eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to be sure that they are being seen.
–    Drivers: Be careful when driving in and around school zones – respect the posted speed limit and expect to see students and children crossing, especially around the time they get to and leave school.