World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims serves as solemn reminder to road users

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, marks the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) and The City of Calgary are reminding all road users of the importance of looking out for one another.

So far this year, there have been 31 fatal collisions in Calgary, marking a 10-year high. Additionally, more than 2,500 collisions have resulted in injury to drivers, passengers, or vulnerable road users (i.e. pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists).

“Each one of these fatal collisions represents a loved one who did not come home,” says Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward of the CPS Traffic Unit. “Every year, we see too many families devastated by fatal and injury collisions. Some lose loved ones forever, while others face injuries that can leave physical and emotional scars. We continue to urge everyone on Calgary roads to make safe choices: slow down, stay sober and limit any distractions that may take your focus away from the road.”

“One death on our roads is too many,” said Pat Grisak, Senior Leader, Traffic Management, City of Calgary. “These figures are not just stats or data - they represent real people with families and friends who care about them and depend on them making it home safely. Engineering efforts by the City and enforcement by CPS and the Traffic Safety Team are just part of the solution, but they are not the whole equation. Pedestrians and motorists need to make better choices. We all need to slow down, be patient, stay off our phones, drive to the conditions and most of all, be courteous. We are not looking out for one another out there, and it must change.”

On the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, The City of Calgary and the CPS honour those who have died, and all those who have been impacted by road collisions. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the police officers, first responders and medical professionals who respond to these incidents and face their traumatic aftermath with courage and professionalism.

General reminders for Calgary road users

Drivers:

• Obey all traffic signs and signals
• Establish eye contact with pedestrians
• If proceeding through an intersection or turning right on a red light, always look both ways for pedestrians and other vehicles before proceeding.
• Adhere to speed limits at all times, and remember that speed limits are designed for ideal weather and road conditions. Slow down if road conditions call for it.
• Avoid distractions: put electronic devices away when driving.
• Never drive impaired. Call a taxi, a sober friend or a rideshare service if you are going to drink or consume cannabis.

Pedestrians:

• Obey all pedestrian signals and do not cross against the signal.
• Use designated crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before proceeding.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Be mindful of vehicles in all lanes, as one car stopping doesn’t guarantee others will.
• Consider wearing bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility.
• Avoid distractions: limit the use of electronic devices or headphones when walking.

Winter travel safety tips:

• Check the weather conditions before you leave and always allow extra time for your journey.
• Clear your vehicle of snow and ice, including all windows, lights and mirrors.
• Top up washer fluid and make sure your wiper blades are in good working order.
• Drive according to road conditions.
• Always leave a safe gap between you and other vehicles.
• Keep your vehicle lights in good working condition and use headlights in low light conditions.
  • Note that automatic lights may not always turn on in snowy or foggy conditions; turn them on manually if needed.
• Never leave your car running and unattended.
• Be patient. Roads and crosswalks may be slippery, and pedestrians may need extra time to cross safely.
• Pedestrians should always cross at designated crosswalks and watch for approaching vehicles. Note that in slippery conditions, vehicles may slide or be slower to stop.

As part of the Safer Mobility Plan, the CPS and The City of Calgary are working together with a common goal of Vision Zero – mobility free of fatalities and major injuries.

Join the Drive to Zero: calgary.ca/visionzero

By the numbers

2025 year-to-date fatal collision numbers:

• 31 fatal collisions resulting in 31 fatalities.
• 12 (about 40 per cent) involved speed.
• Three were hit and runs.
• At least four involved drugs or alcohol.
  • Note: due to delays in toxicology processing, these numbers may change
• 20 (about 65 per cent) involved a vulnerable road user (i.e. pedestrian, motorcyclist, cyclist)

Traffic collision statistics (2015-2025)