Sign up for our free daily newsletter!

RCMP shares #SummerSafety tips focused at young and distracted drivers

Aug 3, 2018 | 7:07 AM

Edmonton – The Heritage Day long weekend is here and many Albertans will hit the roads to enjoy their time off.

Highways will experience increased traffic volume throughout the August long weekend.

The RCMP reminds all road users, especially young drivers and motorcycle riders, to exercise caution and avoid distractions as #SummerSafety is a shared responsibility.

Together, the RCMP and Provincial Sheriffs Integrated Traffic Units will be out in force to fight distracted and aggressive driving.

Practicing simple #SummerSafety tips can help ensure that all road users have a safe and enjoyable Heritage Day long weekend.

Always apply the same sensible safety rules to all vehicles, including recreational ones:

– Drivers and riders alike should wear vehicle-appropriate safety gear such as a seatbelt, helmet and jacket.

Keep your eyes and attention on the road:

– Avoid distracted behaviour such as talking on a cell phone, texting, reading a book, eating, attending to other passengers or pets and personal grooming. Distracted operation of a vehicle increases the risk of collisions.

Don’t drink and operate a vehicle or boat:

–  Drinking and driving laws apply equally to the operation of vessels on waterways as they do to motor vehicles on highways. In 2017, there were 18 instances of impaired operation of a boat and three boating collisions in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction.

Do not adopt aggressive driving habits:

– Speeding, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, road raging and stunting are behaviours that put you and other road users at risk.

Supt. Rick Gardner, Alberta Traffic Sheriffs, says, “Distracted and aggressive driving are both as dangerous as impaired driving. We remind Albertans, especially young drivers and riders, to always remember that getting behind wheels is a serious responsibility.”
Graham adds, “Alberta’s warm seasonal weather brings out motorcycles and other recreational vehicles. Operating any of these conveyances impaired is dangerous and it’s illegal. We will continue to collaborate with the Provincial Traffic Sheriffs, other agencies and our communities to stop impaired driving and riding.”

(Gary McKinnon)