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Over 400 speeders ticketed in Red Deer last month

May 3, 2018 | 11:21 AM

A focus on speeding drivers last month resulted in RCMP and local Peace Officers handing out 406 speeding tickets in Red Deer during the month of April.

That according to Red Deer Mounties who say their efforts were part of a larger provincial traffic focus on speed, with the tickets being issued by police officers and community peace officers in both marked and unmarked vehicles and through hand-held laser campaigns.

RCMP say their laser campaigns caught eight motorists driving over 100 km / hour within city limits at locations where speeding is frequently an issue.

During one hand-held laser operation at 19 Street and Irwin Avenue which is a 70 km zone, Mounties say two drivers were clocked at 163 km / hour and 122 km / hour. In several campaigns along 67 Street, three drivers were clocked at speeds of 110, 116 and 130 in a 70 km / hour zone while a fourth driver was caught doing 115 in a 60 zone. Officers also wrote out 55 speeding tickets in playground and school zones during the month.

“There is no justification for driving at twice the posted speed limit – these drivers are putting everyone around them in danger,” says Constable Tyler Hagel, Red Deer RCMP Traffic Unit in a press release. “Speeding is a serious safety issue in Red Deer and the number of tickets issued in April, as well as the excessive speeds are proof of that. That’s why we continue to operate speed campaigns year-round in the city.”

For the month of May, RCMP and Community Peace Officers will focus on motorcycle safety in addition to their continued efforts on cracking down on speeders.

Mounties remind motorcyclists and all other drivers of the importance of sharing the road, being aware and driving defensively.

RCMP offer the following safety tips for motorcycle riders:

Wear a helmet. By wearing an approved motorcycle helmet, you are, according to the Alberta Ministry of Transportation, 37% less likely to sustain a fatal injury in a collision. If your helmet has been damaged, replace it with a new one. Used helmets could be broken in ways that can’t always be seen.

Gear up! The right gear will protect you and keep you comfortable while you ride. Along with a helmet, riders should wear shatter-proof eye protection, a durable, bright coloured jacket, long pants, leather footwear that protects the ankles, full fingered, non-slip gloves and all weather proof riding clothes.

Stay bright and in sight! Wearing high visibility safety gear in colours like orange, yellow and white instantly draws other motorists’ eyes to you. Remember, motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles. Staying out of blind spots on roadways and in parking lots will help keep other vehicles aware of your presence.

Showing off does not pay off – but driving defensively does. Never underestimate the speed of your motorcycle. Its size makes speed deceptive. Driving defensively means being aware of your surroundings, sharing the road, changing lanes with extreme caution.

Practice makes perfect. Riders should practice on safe roads away from high traffic areas and highways to make sure they are comfortable and confident in their skills on the road.