Alberta RCMP starts 2019 by tackling impaired driving and sharing intersection safety tips

This past holiday season, RCMP ran Checkstops across Alberta. From Dec. 22, 2018 to Jan. 2, 2019, Alberta RCMP laid 81 charges for impaired operation by alcohol and five charges for impaired operation by drugs.

As we enter into a new year, Alberta RCMP encourages drivers to maintain safe driving habits on all types of roads, including intersections, in both urban and rural roads.

In Alberta, the most frequently identified driver errors leading to collisions that occurred at intersections in 2016 were: improper left turns, committing a stop sign violation and disobeying a traffic signal. (Alberta Transportation)

Alberta RCMP encourages you to practice the following intersection #TrafficSafety tips:

Drivers

· Slow down as you approach an intersection, stop and check all traffic before proceeding.

· Obey traffic signs and signals. Make a full stop at red lights and stop signs, even when turning right.

· At a four-way stop, remember the Right of Way rule. You must yield to the vehicle on your right.

· Leave ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. It might stop unexpectedly.

· Use your signal when making turns. Ensure it is safe to turn left before doing so.

· Pedestrians have the right of way in all marked or unmarked crosswalks. Pay attention to pedestrians crossing when making any turns or at an all-way stop.

· Be prepared for the unexpected. Always look for pedestrians, changing lights, slippery road conditions and other drivers before proceeding through an intersection.

· Don’t try to speed up on a yellow light. A yellow light means slow down and prepare to stop.

Pedestrians

· Never jaywalk. Check traffic before crossing and only proceed when it is safe to do so.

· Always use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals when they are available.

· Don’t be a distracted pedestrian. Remove headphones; put away cell phones or other electronic devices when crossing the street.

“Intersection safety entails consistently watching the road and other drivers and pedestrians to avoid dangerous collisions. You should never assume that other drivers will do the right thing at an intersection,” said Supt. Rick Gardner, Alberta Sheriffs. “We all have the responsibility as road users, drivers and pedestrians alike, that intersection safety is a shared responsibility.”

“Almost every collision is preventable. The most common driver errors at intersections include driving too fast for road conditions, unsafe turns, running yellow or red lights and unsafe lane changes,” said Supt. Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018, there were 31 fatalities involving intersections in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions. When we all take steps to enhance intersection safety, we have the ability to reduce the number of collisions and save lives.”

The Alberta RCMP will continue to work with Alberta Sheriffs and other law enforcement and safety partners to ensure Albertans make the right driving decisions. Follow our #TrafficSafety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.