Campgrounds, parks and yards will no doubt be brimming with people celebrating the Victoria Day weekend, and the roads will likely be no different.
Local RCMP is encouraging St. Albert residents – whether heading out of town or opting for a “staycation” – to use extra caution when driving this weekend.
“The first spring long weekend brings extra traffic on all area roads so drivers need to be alert. Drive smart and drive safe,” said Cpl. Laurel Kading with St. Albert RCMP.
RCMP presence on area highways will be increased over the next three days with officers focusing on causal factors that contribute to serious injury collisions such as speed, seatbelts, intersection violations, distracted driving and impaired driving.
RCMP have confirmed there will be checkstops located in the St. Albert area.
“Most Albertans understand the importance of safe driving, but there is a small, persistent group of drivers who need to be reminded of the real consequences of their dangerous driving behaviour, both to themselves and to other road users,” added RCMP superintendent Howard Eaton.
In 2010, almost 1,200 collisions occurred over the May long weekend, resulting in 173 injuries and five deaths. According to Alberta Transportation, following too closely, running off the road and making left turns were the most frequently reported improper driver actions that contributed to collisions.
Travellers can keep up-to-date on highway conditions, traffic flow, construction updates, detours and closures, weather alerts and national/provincial parks information with 511 Alberta (call 5-1-1 toll-free, visit 511.alberta.ca or @511Alberta on Twitter) or AMA Road Reports (amaroadreports.ca or @AMARoadReports).
