Wood Buffalo RCMP reminds drivers to slow down

As temperatures warm up and more pedestrians are on the streets, the Wood Buffalo RCMP is reminding drivers to keep their speed in check. 

According to a news release issued by the RCMP, “residents speeding is not only exceeding the posted legal limits but also driving too fast for weather, road or traffic conditions.”

In 2020, the Wood Buffalo RCMP issued 679 speeding tickets to motorists. 

The message comes in collaboration with the Alberta Traffic Safety Calendar which highlights “speed” for the month of April.

Every month, the calendar uses targets from the Alberta Traffic Safety Action Plan, collision information and the public’s perception of issues to increase public and driver awareness. 

Speeding is dangerous for drivers, passengers and other road users. For the residents’ safety, Wood Buffalo RCMP encourages drivers to practice the following traffic safety tips:

• Leave early. Give yourself enough time to arrive at your destination safely.
• Respect posted speed limits. Drive according to weather, road and traffic conditions to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. Also, respect speed limits in playground and construction zones.
• Proactive driving. Anticipate possible hazards and take action to reduce or avoid dangers before they occur.

The Wood Buffalo RCMP further reminds drivers to use caution and be aware of their surroundings. If crosswalks and sidewalks are being used, they ask drivers to be respectful and reduce their speed for everyone’s safety. 

“Speeding creates a danger for everyone on the road and it’s not worth the risk. Traffic safety, which includes engaging in safe driving and riding habits, is a shared responsibility,” the release stated. 

All road users are encouraged to make “arriving at their destination safely” their number one priority. Wood Buffalo RCMP will continue to work with law enforcement and safety partners to ensure Albertans make wise driving decisions and avoid speeding on Alberta roads. Follow their traffic safety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.

About the author

Dawn Booth

Editor-in-Chief at YMM Parent | dawn@balsom.ca

Dawn Booth is the Editor-in-Chief of YMM Parent Magazine and Your McMurray Magazine. She has actively worked in the Wood Buffalo region's media industry since residing in Fort McMurray in 2007.

Her passion is writing poetry and puts it at the forefront of the community through her volunteer work as the President of NorthWord Magazine. Most important, Booth puts her family of five first, which includes her husband Ryan and their three children, Landon, Dawson and Tessa.