Summer traffic safety

By Janet Kanters Times Editor

In the summertime, there are more trucks, tractor-trailers and buses on Alberta roads.
According to the RCMP, this greater mix of vehicles increases the risk of commercial and passenger vehicle collisions.
“In 2018, there were 38 fatal collisions involving semi trucks that resulted in 42 deaths in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions,” says Supt. Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services.
RCMP says drivers of passenger vehicles should stay far enough behind big trucks to see both side mirrors on the truck, and that drivers of commercial vehicles maintain a large following distance between the truck and the vehicle in front.
“Every road user has a part to play in ensuring their own traffic safety and that of others,” says Supt. Rick Gardner, Alberta Sheriffs. “If you drive a commercial vehicle, make sure it is always within the allowed weight limit and in good operating condition. If you drive a passenger vehicle, pay extra attention to blind spots.”
With the warmer weather, cyclists, too, need to be aware of what’s around them. With summer road construction, RCMP say drivers should obey all signs, slow down, watch for road workers and be prepared to stop. And riders of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and other off-highway vehicles should always wear proper safety gear and use age-appropriate ATVs.
The Alberta RCMP continue to work with Alberta Sheriffs and other law enforcement and safety partners to ensure Albertans make the right driving decisions. Follow their traffic safety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.