Impaired driving, seatbelts and more focus of Canada Road Safety Week

Safer city streets and responsible driving are the focus for the Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton during the 2017 Canada Road Safety Week campaign that runs May 15-22, 2017.

“As the weather gets warmer, drivers are enjoying the sunshine and the improved road conditions,” says Sgt Kerry Bates with the EPS Traffic Section “With the summer approaching we’re reminding Edmontonians that traffic safety is important regardless of the season. It is a shared responsibility that needs to be a top priority.”

 

Targeted enforcement during Canada Road Safety Week will focus on:

• Impaired driving

• Seatbelt and child restraint use

• Aggressive driving

• Distracted driving

 

From May 17-23, 2016, there were 2,625 charges laid by EPS officers during Canada Road Safety Week. Of those, 656 were for speeding, 266 for other aggressive driving offences, 36 for seatbelt violations and 165 for distracted driving. There were 48 charges laid for alcohol impaired driving and 55 driving suspensions.

 

The City of Edmonton’s Traffic Safety Section is hopeful that this year’s numbers, in particular, impaired driving, will be lower, as they continue to strive towards the City’s Vision Zero Strategy of zero traffic fatalities and zero serious injuries.

 

“During long weekends, we often see a spike in impaired driving. People get in holiday mode, consume alcohol and get behind the wheel,” says Laura Thue, Senior Research Coordinator with City of Edmonton Traffic Safety. “The City of Edmonton and EPS would like to remind citizens that drinking and driving has serious consequences. By not drinking and driving, we all contribute to safer city streets.”

 

Beyond targeted enforcement in key areas, officers will also continue to monitor and enforce Edmonton’s speed limits, as the number of excessive speeders rises with spring’s arrival. In early May, West Division Traffic Team officers observed several drivers on the Anthony Henday travelling in excess of 50 km/h over the legal posted limit, the fastest recorded at 166 km/h in the 100 km/h posted speed zone. In each of these incidents, the drivers were issued a compulsory court appearance.

 

Officers with the EPS Traffic Section also recently charged a motorcyclist with dangerous driving after excessive speeding ended in a minor collision. Travelling as part of a group, the motorcycles were observed at speeds reaching 129 km/h in a 60 km/h zone that borders a residential neighbourhood.

 

“Motorists are reminded that ignoring posted speed limits can result in substantial fines, demerits, license suspensions and even serious injury or death,” says Const. Trevor Henderson with the EPS West Division Traffic Team “The EPS is committed to monitoring drivers’ speeds on all Edmonton roadways and we encourage citizens to drive safely and responsibly at all times.”

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2rnolmb