It was a busy May long weekend for Alberta Integrated Traffic Services (ITS) as a number of enforcement projects were conducted along the province’s highways that netted 5,703 total charges.
Fatalities on Alberta highways between May 17 and 19 weekend took a dip this year, after 2013 saw seven fatal collisions that resulted in eight deaths; this year there were four fatal collisions reported, resulting in four deaths.
These fatal accidents occurred in Two Hills, Westlock, Picture Butte and Vulcan.
The 5,703 charges for the 2014 May long weekend was an increase over 2013, where ITS officers issued charges in just a little more than 5,000 violations.
“There was a combination of reasons as to why we saw this increase in the number of charges that were made this year,” said Insp. Stephen Grant, K Division Traffic Services.
“We know that the province is growing in population so there are more motorists out there, and as a result of that, we have to increase our enforcement.”
The majority of enforcement was dedicated to mobile units patrolling highways to keep an eye out for distracted drivers and motorists driving at excessive speeds, as well as drivers not wearing seatbelts and possibly intoxicated drivers.
“The most common charges were seatbelt violations, excessive speed and distracted driving,” said Grant.
“The long weekends are always the busiest for us as there are a lot more people on the roads.”
ITS officers laid a total of 11 impaired driving charges and issued 13 driving suspensions.
“Our message to motorists who are travelling on holiday weekends is to allow themselves a bit more time to get where they’re going so they’re not speeding or driving in a dangerous or erratic manner,” said Grant.
