With the Thanksgiving Weekend coming up, the Alberta RCMP is reminding drivers to be safe on the road and to take what measures they can to reduce the risk of accidents.
“As with all long weekends, we expect to see more vehicles on the road,” says Sergeant Brock Linaker, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “Drivers should prepare for the increased traffic volumes by planning their route ahead of time, leaving early, driving sober and being mindful of others on the road. All of these behaviours will help get you to your destination safely.”
During the last Thanksgiving weekend, there were 619 traffic accidents in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions, resulting in seventy three injuries and four deaths. This year, Integrated Traffic Units (ITUs) will continue trying to lower those numbers by participating in Operation Impact. Operation Impact aims to detect risky behaviour on the road that endangers everyone. This includes, but is not limited to, impaired and distracted driving, speeding and seatbelt use. Police will be patrolling highways across the province starting Friday through Monday.
“Each year, we look forward to participating in Operation Impact because it is an initiative that complements our goal of creating safe roads for all Albertans,” says Superintendent Rick Gardner, Alberta Sheriffs. This long weekend, we want everyone to enjoy the festivities and that starts with putting traffic safety rules into practice.”
Beyond the long weekend, drivers can also expect to see farm equipment on rural roads as the harvest is still underway in parts of Alberta. Remember, as the autumn days get shorter, drivers are reminded to keep a careful eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians in addition to being prepared to react to wildlife along the roadsides.