Province reminds drivers to reduce speed while using Alberta’s highways

With the spring melt well underway, the province is reminding drivers to do their part to prevent collisions by slowing down.
“The faster you are driving, the less time you have to react to anything unexpected,” said Minister of Transportation Brian Mason in an April 4 press release, “safe speed is an important aspect of traffic safety, along with safe vehicles, safe road users and safe infrastructure.”
Provincial statistics show that nearly one in every four fatal collisions involve drivers using unsafe speeds.
Excessive speeds, even just a few kilometres over the speed limit, can reduce one’s ability to react to unforeseen circumstances.
“The consequences of speeding can be devastating and it’s just not worth it,” said Inspector Steve Daley, Acting Officer-in-Charge of Alberta RCMP Traffic Services in a press release.
With this in mind, Alberta’s RCMP are running a pilot project to reduce speeding and speed related collisions on major Alberta highways this April and May.
RCMP will be focusing enforcement and education efforts on Highway 2 and selected other highways.
The consequences of being caught speeding can include both a fine and demerit points on one’s license.
Demerits for speeding can range from two points for exceeding the posted speed limit by less than 15 km/h, to six points for speeding in excess of 50 km/h more than the posted speed limit.
Drivers are being reminded that fines double in construction zones when there are workers present.
In addition to enforcement, speed data will be collected at several locations prior to, during and after the project to determine if there was a reduction in overall average speed during the pilot project.
“Speed limits exist because they save lives,” said Daley. “Even the best of drivers won’t be able to react to potential hazards on the road when travelling at higher speeds.”
“Drivers need to respect the speed limits, and drive according to traffic and weather conditions to make sure everyone gets home safely,” he said.