By Sheena Roszell

long weekend

Expect an increased police presence on Alberta highways this long weekend

Aug 2, 2019 | 10:13 AM

Another summer long weekend is here and with the increased traffic, you can bet RCMP too will have a larger presence on Alberta highways.

Officers will be checking for distracted and impaired drivers and checking to make sure people are slowing down in construction zones.

From January to June of this year, there were 5,063 distracted driving-related tickets issued in Alberta.

Corporal Richard Nowak says most distracted driving tickets were issued for handheld electronic devices, but some motorists have tried to pull some pretty risky stuff behind the wheel.

“I have seen people eating cereal while driving. We have issued tickets for people handling maps spread out over their dashboard while driving, reading books, and putting on makeup.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

He says the only thing that should be in your hands while driving is the steering wheel and if you need to put on the windshield wipers or signal lights.

Cpl. Nowak says distracted driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving and last year during the Heritage Day long weekend, there were eight fatalities and 39 injuries due to motor vehicle collisions on Alberta highways.

With nicer weather, that means road construction season. Patrol officers are reminding motorists to slow down in construction zones.

“Motorists should follow the last road sign or speed sign that was passed. But why not err on the side of caution and if you do see anyone on the side of the road, be it construction or a pedestrian, just make sure you are approaching them at a safe speed,” he added.