POLICE RCMP officers raid ‘chop shop’ in Parkland County

RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs are reminding drivers to remain alert and drive safely ahead of the last long weekend of the summer.

“Travelling this weekend, our primary concern is safety,” Cpl. Richard Nowak of the Traffic Safety Office said at RCMP K Division headquarters Thursday. “We want everybody to be alert and more aware that traffic is expected to increase.”

During the Labour Day long weekend, RCMP see an increase in collision statistics as people come out in droves to enjoy the last bout of freedom before fall routines set in. This uptick in crashes is not atypical of long weekends, this summer seeing multiple traffic fatalities including a collision outside Jasper that killed six people.

In response, the Mounties are teaming up with the sheriffs to increase their enforcement presence on Alberta’s roads. Depending on the area, this means more officers will primarily be looking for speeding motorists, impaired drivers and distracted drivers.

“We believe one in every five fatal collisions are the result of speeding and one out of every three collisions are the result of an impaired driver,” Nowak said. As the RCMP’s drug recognition expert provincial co-ordinator, Nowak has also been part of an effort by the police department to train more officers for impairment recognition.

Another immediate concern is the impending return to school, prompting a push for the social media campaign #trafficsafety. Nowak said drivers need to be wary of the increase in traffic, including school buses, as well as 30 km/h school zones being in effect. Parents are encouraged to educate their children on safe practices.

“It’s a responsibility of everyone, not just motorists but of students and road users that we need to keep everyone safe,” he said.