RCMP urge drivers to slow down during Road Safety Week
Posted May 13, 2020 1:18 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Watch your lead foot and not your cell phone.
That’s just one of the messages RCMP are hoping to get across as they mark Canada Road Safety Week.
Police are reminding drivers to respect the traffic laws especially heading into the Victoria Day long weekend.
S/Sgt. Damon Poole said they are policing the highways during the pandemic just like they always do.
“Some of the drivers over the May long weekend may be tempted to relax their attitudes around the driving rules, physical distancing and stay-at-home health orders. We, as always have zero tolerance for unsafe driving behaviours amidst the pandemic and our traffic service members will be on the road, wearing our protective gear, promoting safe driving.”
Poole added RCMP have noticed more speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The faster you’re driving, the lower your reaction time is, which certainly dovetails into distracted driving. If you’re speeding and distracted, it’s just a fraction of a second when you’re not paying attention. With that increased speed, it can become very deadly.”
Road Safety Week runs until May 18 and Alberta RCMP are using this time to remind drivers there are still hefty penalties for these unsafe behaviours.
“Fines do increase with the increased speed,” said Poole. “Demerits increase as the speed over the limit continues. The faster you’re going, the more aggressive your driving, the fines, in tandem increase as well.”
Alberta RCMP is collaborating throughout Road Safety Week and the long weekend with Alberta Sheriffs, Edmonton police, Calgary police and other law enforcement.
