RCMP reminding Albertans road rage could end badly

 The Alberta RCMP is reminding Albertans and Airdronians that road-rage incidents can have life-altering consequences.

Since the beginning of 2023, the Alberta RCMP has received over 500 reports of dangerous driving, three of those causing death. Either charges have been laid or tickets have been issued in 184 of these incidents, and several remain under investigation.

“Like with any high-risk behaviour, it is only a matter of time until aggressive driving catches up with you. We really want people to think about that during their commutes, or trips up the highway. If you find yourself getting agitated while driving, it’s time to take a breath, pull over and grab a coffee, or find an appropriate and safe way to disengage the source of your frustration” says RCMP Traffic Services Sgt. Dan Mayowski.

Aggressive driving and road rage can have serious, long-lasting effects. Anything from accidents to a criminal record to higher insurance costs, fines, and even jail time can have a big influence on your personal life, family, career, and capacity to travel.

“Operating a vehicle comes with certain responsibilities highlighted in traffic safety act, road regulations, and criminal code. We will lay charges in aggressive driving road rage incidents where it is appropriate, and we are encouraging the public to report these incidents when you see them. Driving a vehicle in a safe manner requires 100 per cent of your faculties. There are enough hazards out there already. Stay off your phone, stay calm, and stay alert. There is no acceptable rationale for placing others in danger while you are driving.”

If you are involved in or witness an incident of aggressive driving, here is what you should remember according to the RCMP:

• Take a route that avoids further engagement with the other driver;
• When safe, call 911 and report the details of the incident to police;
• Drive within the speed limit and follow the rules of the road; and
• Be prepared to provide the vehicle colour, make, model, license plate number and a description of the driver to police.

Back in 2022, Airdrie had two big road rage incidents. One was when a semi-truck and a pick-up had been driving northbound on Highway 2 when contact between the two vehicles was made. This contact led to the semi jack-knifing and both vehicles went through the median and across the southbound lanes. Luckily, no other vehicles were hit. The driver of the pick-up, a 49-year-old old male from Langdon, Alberta was charged with one count of Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance.

The second was where two teenagers watched a road rage incident at the intersection of Veterans Boulevard and Edmonton Trail happen. One of the drivers administered bear spray but due to high winds the teenagers were cross contaminated with the bear spray.

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