It's almost over!

Well, officially it lasts for three more weeks, but ask any school kid and they'll tell you summer ends when Labour Day passes so this is likely your last chance to grab some rest and relaxation before moving into your hectic fall.

With several thousand Albertans all thinking the same thing, it's going to be an extremely busy weekend for the Alberta RCMP Traffic Services and their partners from the Alberta Traffic Sheriffs.  Yes, says RCMP Corporal Richard Nowak, you will see an increased police presence trying to make the roads safe for everyone.

"We are increasing our policing presence for this long weekend, especially with our partnership with the Alberta Traffic Sheriffs and the RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit.  We are are focusing our shifts and increasing our presence throughout the long weekend."

According to Nowak, it's fairly obvious that the chances of collisions increase on weekends like Labour Day so the need to share the road is also increased and the need for patience increases as well.

 "Everyone plays a factor in traffic safety.  Impatience exists no matter what level of traffic volume there is.  With the increased in traffic volume, more people on the road travelling longer distances, the chances of collisions increase just because there are just more people out there, right?  We don't target any specific vehicle type.  People are people no matter what they're driving so we try to focus on the general population and give equal attention to everyone."

Nowak says experience has shown them that there are four main factors involved in the majority of fatal traffic collisions.  "Speed, impaired driving, occupant restraint and distracted driving.  The statistics are that one out of every five fatal collisions in Alberta are the result of speed, and one out of three fatal collisions are the result of an impaired driver."

Nowak then recounts the stats from Labour Day weekend in 2017.  "In Alberta alone, there were 394 motor vehicle collisions during last Labour Day long weekend.  In Alberta RCMP jurisdictions we had four which involved fatalities and 47 involving injuries."

Finally, Nowak has a word of advice for anyone on the road this weekend.  "We want people to enjoy themselves on their holidays and part of that is a shared responsibility for keeping everyone safe.  Everyone has a part to play whether you're a motorist, a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist.  We want everyone to be aware that they need to acknowledge their part in ensuring their safety and contributing to better roadways."

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