Alberta RCMP is reminding Albertans with spring here, to remember to follow the posted speed limits.

Speed limits posted on roads signify the highest legal speed allowed under ideal conditions. However, exceeding these limits poses a heightened risk of accidents and severe injuries for all road users, regardless of conditions.

Alberta Transportation reports that about one in four fatal collisions result from speeding, with over half of these tragedies occurring in rural regions. Last year, Alberta RCMP issued over 60,000 speeding tickets, including 761 for extreme speeding (exceeding the limit by 50km/h or more).

For the Airdrie area alone, 2023 saw 948 speeding tickets handed out. As of the beginning of the month, 281 drivers have received a ticket this year.

Here are a few tips provided by the RCMP to help ensure traffic safety for yourself and others:

  • Leave early - don’t rush. Unsafe speeds increase the risk of collision and serious injury. Allowing yourself extra time to get to your destination helps you to avoid feeling rushed.
  • Respect posted speed limits, especially in schools or playgrounds and construction zones. These areas often have high pedestrian traffic – you must slow down.
  • Speeding isn’t just driving beyond posted legal speed limits but also driving too fast for weather, road, and traffic conditions.
  • If you are a passenger in a speeding vehicle, speak up. Take your life out of the driver’s hands.

“April is the start of “speeding season.” Excessive speed shows a pattern that has a relationship to clear roads, good weather, and typically occurring at peak travel times for families,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Sadly, speeding is a common traffic violation among drivers, and one of the most threatening to traffic safety.”

April typically records the highest count of speeding offences, and the trend persisted last year, with 93 instances of excessive speeding tickets issued.

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