Alberta RCMP were active on provincial roads over the recent holiday period, issuing a significant number of traffic tickets as part of a targeted enforcement campaign. The Mounties reported that from December 24th to the 31st, officers handed out a total of 988 tickets for various traffic violations across the province.
Breakdown of Holiday Season Violations
The tickets covered a range of infractions that compromise road safety. According to the RCMP data, 242 tickets were for speeding, while 31 were issued for distracted driving. An additional 21 drivers were ticketed for failing to wear their seatbelts.
A major focus of the campaign was impaired driving enforcement. Police reported they removed 121 drivers from Alberta roads for impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. This total included 80 drivers who received Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) fails and another 23 who were given IRS warnings.
Tragic Outcomes and a Continued Warning
Despite enforcement efforts, the holiday period saw tragic losses on the roads. RCMP responded to six fatal collisions during the campaign, which resulted in seven deaths. Officers also attended 99 non-fatal injury collisions.
"We are never happy to report fatal motor vehicle collisions," said RCMP Sergeant Darrin Turnbull. "Everyone should have been able to make it home safely for the holidays. I encourage everyone to look out for each other on the roads. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911 immediately."
A Dangerous Trend in Winter Driving
The holiday enforcement action follows a concerning trend noted by police. On Monday, January 4th, Parkland RCMP had already urged drivers to use "extra caution" on Alberta roads, citing an increase in fatal collisions during December and early January.
Preliminary data indicates that 20 fatal collisions occurred in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions in December alone. This number is higher than the 10-year average for the month, which sits at roughly 17 fatal crashes.
RCMP suggested that winter weather and recent snowfalls may have contributed to a significant portion of these crashes, and noted that injury collisions also appear to be elevated. Unfortunately, the dangerous trend has continued into the new year. Mounties reported that in just the first four days of January, four fatal collisions have occurred in the province, resulting in four deaths.
The combined data from the enforcement campaign and the preliminary collision statistics underscore the heightened risks on Alberta roads during the winter holiday season and the critical importance of safe driving practices.
