Hwy 3 in Crowsnest Pass. Not the exact spot where these drivers were ticketed. (Supplied by Municipality of Crowsnest Pass)

By David Opinko

Drivers in Crowsnest Pass caught going 112 km/hr and 97 km/hr in 50 zone

Jan 29, 2021 | 11:53 AM

CROWSNEST PASS, AB – “On top of being an extremely challenging time with other things going on in the world, we don’t want to be adding into the mix reckless behavior with relation to the operation of a motor vehicle.”

Community Peace Officer with the Municipality of Crownest Pass Sgt. Brad Larsen says two drivers in the Crowsnest Pass have been ticketed for excessive speeding.

He caught both of them on his radar in separate incidents at approximately 11:00 am on Friday, January 22.

It occurred on Highway 3 heading westbound between Frank and Blairmore. At this point, the speed limit was 50 km/hr but would soon increase to 80 km/hr.

One was flagged for driving 112 km/hr and the other travelled at a speed of 97 km/hr.

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“They were in a lineup of traffic, so they were behind several other vehicles. They elected to go over into the right-hand lane and began to pass all of the other vehicles in the 50 zone. I’m the charging officer, so that’s what drew my attention and we got them with the laser.”

In addition to speed, Larsen told LNN that there were a couple of other factors that increased the level of danger.

Even though the roads were fairly clear at the time, there is still a higher risk of slipping on the streets in January as small sections can have snow or ice.

The other aspect at play here is that there is a relatively sharp curve in the road at the point where Larsen noticed this driving behaviour.

“You’re not only putting yourself in an extreme level of danger, you’re also putting all the other motorists that are using that particular roadway in danger. That’s something we ultimately don’t want to see, not just in the Crowsnest Pass, but in the entire province.”

When a driver goes at least 50 km/hr over the speed limit, they are issued a mandatory court date. If the driver pleads guilty or is found guilty, it will be up to the judge to determine the exact penalties.

Back in August 2019, there were several changes to the speed limit on Highway 3 through the Crowsnest Pass. A map illustrating the changed speed limits can be seen below with more information here.

(Supplied by Municipality of Crowsnest Pass)