Canada Road Safety Week 2020

Today, Tuesday May 12, 2020, is the beginning of Canada Road Safety Week, a seven-day national campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world. We want Calgarians to shift gears and pay close attention to the behaviors that can put drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk.

Impaired driving, distracted driving and aggressive driving can all lead to life-altering circumstances.

Impaired driving is often thought of as impairment through alcohol and illicit drugs but remember that prescription drugs and fatigue can also cause impairment.

Distracted driving is more than talking on your phone. Programming your GPS or in-car entertainment, eating with both hands, and applying makeup can all take your eyes off the road.

While speed is a common contributing factor, careless driving, running red lights, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic are all forms of aggressive driving that can put both you and others at risk.

“Every decision you make behind the wheel can be the difference between life or death”, says Calgary Police Service Traffic Section Inspector Steve Ellefson. “Before you get into your vehicle, make a conscious decision to drive with the mindset that will contribute to safety, not to a collision. Always drive sober, put your cell phone away, slow down, stay calm, and enjoy the ride.”

While non-essential travel is being discouraged for all Albertans, we want to ensure that anyone on the road is traveling in a safe manner. Throughout this week and especially over the long weekend, the Calgary Police Service, in partnership with Alberta RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs, will be out in the community to ensure road safety is top of mind.