Selective Traffic Enforcement

Distracted Driving

February 1st, 2012

Research indicates that driver distraction contributes to 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions and distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive drivers.  Distracted driving literally impairs your driving ability.

Highlights:

• Restricts drivers from:

  • using hand-held cell phones
  • texting or e-mailing
  • using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
  • entering information on GPS units
  • reading printed materials in the vehicle
  • writing, printing or sketching, and
  • personal grooming
• Complements the current driving without due care and attention legislation
• Applies to all vehicles as defined by the Traffic Safety Act, including bicycles
• Applies to all roads in both urban and rural areas of the province
• The fine for this new offence is $172

The most frequently asked question regarding the new law is whether pets are specifically addressed by the law. Here's the answer! In situations where the driver becomes too involved with their pet, police could reasonably argue that the distraction is comparable to the specifically banned activities of reading, writing and grooming and lay a charge.   

Also, existing legislation - Traffic Safety Act 115(2)(i) - allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to occupy the front seat of the vehicle such that it interferes with the driver's access to the vehicle controls and the safe operation of the vehicle.  Further, Traffic Safety Act 115(2)(j) - allows police to charge a driver who permits anything, including a pet, to cause any obstruction to the driver's clear vision in any direction. We encourage the continued use of these existing provisions.

If a driver violates a new distracted driving provision and an existing provision in the Traffic Safety Act it would be up to the discretion of the officer as to if one or both charges would apply.

Intersection Safety

January 1st, 2012

The Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for the month of January will focus on intersection safety. In Canada 30% of fatalities and 40% of serious injuries from collisions involved an intersection. In 2008, 89 people were killed and 9,134 people were injured in collisions at intersections in Alberta.

Three(3) of the top five(5) improper driver actions that cause collisions occur at intersections, and those actions are:

• Making a left turn across the path of another vehicle is the most frequently identified improper driver action that contributes to collisions in an intersection.
• Stop sign violations and
• Disobeying a traffic signal.

Drivers should take the following three precautions when approaching and crossing an intersection:

• Scan the intersection and beyond, as you approach with caution.
• Always be 100% prepared to yield. Keep your foot off the accelerator and covering the brake pad.
• Before proceeding, check for cross-traffic. Look left, right, left again and continue to scan as you proceed.
• Watch for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
• Before proceeding, make eye contact with other intersection users - including pedestrians.

Failure to stop at a stop sign or red light results in a $287 fine and  3 demerits. A driver is required to come to a complete stop, which means the wheels of the vehicle must not be moving, before proceeding safely through the intersection.

A sidewalk acts as a stop sign. Before entering a main street from a road, service road, alley, driveway or parking lot a vehicle must stop unless marked otherwise.

When vehicles arrive at a four way stop sign, courtesy is to allow the vehicle that arrived first to proceed first. If vehicles arrive simultaneously, right of way is given to the vehicle on the right, while left turning vehicles yield to approaching traffic.

Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $575 plus 4 demerit points.

If an emergency vehicle with its lights or sirens activated is approaching an intersection all other vehicles must give up the right of way until the emergency vehicle has passed through the intersection. Failure to do so is a $172 fine plus 3 demerits.

Impaired Driving

December 1st, 2011

The Camrose Police Service selected traffic enforcement program (STEP) for the month of December is impaired driving. This issue is dealt with on a year round basis by the Service and December is a time when enforcement is stepped up to ensure we all enjoy the Christmas Season responsibly.

If you plan on consuming alcohol the following steps need to be taken:

• Appoint a designated driver or choose alternative transportation. There are many options and no excuses for driving drunk.
• Preventing impaired driving is a shared responsibility.
• Stop anyone from driving if you do not have complete confidence in their ability to drive.
• Never drive after consuming ANY alcohol. Although you may not feel impaired, just one drink reduces your reactions and ability to drive safely.

IImpaired Driving is not just a law enforcement problem it is a community issue. The Camrose Police Service adopted the Curb the Danger Program which has already proven to be a very effective tool in removing impaired drivers from our roadways. The program encourages anyone to call 9-1-1 to report an suspicious vehicle.

Signs of an impaired driver may include but are not limited to:

• Driving unreasonably fast, slow or both.
• Tailgating or changing lanes at unreasonable speeds.
• Dangerous passing.
• Leaving intersections too quickly or too slowly.
• Swerving within or outside of lanes

Any questions regarding the Curb the Danger program or Impaired driving please contact the Camrose Police Service.

Pedestrian Safety

November 1st, 2011

Pedestrian safety is for all ages. Unfortunately, in traffic incidents involving pedestrians and motorists, it is the pedestrian who suffers, often with tragic results. In many cases it is not the driver's fault. It is the responsibility of both driver and pedestrian to ensure each others safety by following some simple rules.

As a pedestrian:

• Cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights, not in the middle of the block or between parked cars;
• Make sure drivers see you before you cross;
• Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop;
• At a traffic light, cross at the beginning of a green light. Do not cross once the "Don't Walk" signal begins to flash or once the light has turned to yellow
• Never cross on a red light;
• Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways;
• Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, when walking in dusk or darkness.

As a motorist:

• Be patient, especially with older pedestrians who need more time to cross the road;
• Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning;
• Remember, stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school zones.
• All intersections are crosswalks marked or unmarked.

Obey all posted speed limits. Studies have shown that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 60km/h is 70% more likely to die from their injuries than a pedestrian struck at 50km/h.

Occupant Restraints

October 1st, 2011

September - Back to School

September 1st, 2011

September is back to school time and to reflect that the Selected Traffic Enforcement Program for the month of September will focus on school zone safety.  Officers will be monitoring crosswalks and enforcing speed limits within school zones throughout the City of Camrose.  School zones are in effect from 8:00am – 9:30am, 11:30am – 1:30pm and 3:00pm – 4:30pm. 

In the excitement of returning to school, children may forget basic road safety rules as they walk, bicycle and ride the bus to school. Throughout the province, traffic injuries are the leading cause of death and a leading cause of hospitalization to children younger than 14.

To keep children safe, motorists should do the following:

• Use caution when approaching intersections or mid-block crosswalks. Parked or stopped vehicles may hide a pedestrian who is crossing the road. The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross is $575 and four demerit points. 
• Watch for the school safety patrol in their orange vests and stop as directed.Patrollers play a vital role in directing children safely across the street.

Back to school also means an increase in school bus traffic throughout the city.  Safety at or near bus stops is also a high priority.  Keep the following in mind: 

• Motorists should always watch for children crossing the road and be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Driver courtesy goes a long way. By simply being alert and cautious when approaching a school bus, you are contributing to school bus safety.

Impaired Driving

August 1st, 2011

The Camrose Police Service selected traffic enforcement program (STEP) for the month of August is impaired driving. If you plan on consuming alcohol the following steps need to be taken:

• Appoint a designated driver or choose alternative transportation. There are many options and no excuses for driving drunk.
• Preventing impaired driving is a shared responsibility.
• Stop anyone from driving if you do not have complete confidence in their ability to drive.
• Never drive after consuming ANY alcohol. Although you may not feel impaired, just one drink reduces your reactions and ability to drive safely.

IImpaired Driving is not just a law enforcement problem it is a community issue. In September the Camrose Police Service adopted the Curb the Danger Program which has already proven to be a very effective tool in removing impaired drivers from our roadways. The program encourages anyone to call 9-1-1 to report an suspicious vehicle.

Signs of an impaired driver may include but are not limited to:

• Driving unreasonably fast, slow or both.
• Tailgating or changing lanes at unreasonable speeds.
• Dangerous passing.
• Leaving intersections too quickly or too slowly.
• Swerving within or outside of lanes

Any questions regarding the Curb the Danger program or Impaired driving please contact:

Cst. BAUER of the Camrose Police Service

780 672 4444

Motorcycle Safety

July 1st, 2011

The Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for the month of July will focus on motorcycles.  Motorcycles are less safe than cars and must be operated with great caution. Because of their low crash protection and high performance capabilities, motorcycles are more likely to be involved in a severe collision. Between 2004 and 2008 there was an average of 831 injury collisions in our province each year involving motorcycles. This is an increase from the 2002 – 2006 average of 743 injury collisions a year. This statistic is especially alarming since Albertans typically only ride their motorcycles about six months of the year. 

  The younger the motorcyclist, the higher the collision rate. Younger operators lack experience and have an invincibility or “no fear” attitude. Sport bikes are involved in the vast majority of motorcycle collisions because of their high performance capabilities and because they are usually operated by young males.

A SNELL or DOT approved helmet is required for the driver and passenger on a motorcycle.  Even a properly secured helmet can come off in the event of a crash.  Motorcyclists are also encouraged to wear the proper protective clothing when riding.  Even if the proper equipment is worn, the risk of injury remains high.  Head injury is a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Fact is, a rider without a helmet is 40% more likely to incur a fatal injury in a crash than a helmeted rider. 

Throughout the month of July, officers will be ensuring that operators and passengers are wearing proper helmets and that the operator has a valid Class 6 license.  This is the class of license required to operate a motorcycle in the province of Alberta.  Wearing an illegal helmet could result in a $115 fine and not having the proper class of license could result in a $230 fine.

Commercial Vehicle Safety

June 1st, 2011

Commercial Vehicles are in the spotlight in June.

For drivers of passenger vehicles:

• Stay out of blind spots. Stay far enough behind big trucks so that you can see both side mirrors on the truck. If you can't see the truck driver, he or she can't see you either.
• Never cut in front of these vehicles
• Allow yourself extra time to pass a big rig
• Signal well in advance when planning to turn or change lanes
• If you are driving beside a truck - watch for turn signals as trucks require a wide turning radius.

For drivers of commercial vehicles:

• Pull over when feeling tired - it could save your life or someone else's.
• Be alert to the actions of oncoming drivers and other drivers at intersections
• Complete proper pre and post trip inspections to ensure your vehicle is not operating with defects
• Ensure your vehicle is within the allowed weight limit to prevent damage to the infrastructure
• Signal well in advance when planning to turn or change lanes

From 2005 to 2009 there were 2,930 large trucks involved in casualty collisions in Alberta. There were 316 people killed and 3479 people injured in these collisions. The deaths include 41 truck drivers, 14 of these were killed in single vehicle rollover crashes.

The occupants of a passenger vehicle are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash with a big rig because of the physical differences in weight, stopping distance and rollover potential.

Fatigue can play a role in large vehicle collisions. Truck drivers were more likely than all drivers in casualty collisions to be fatigued or asleep at the time of the crash. Almost half (45%) of the truckers who were fatigued and involved in a casualty collision crashed between the hours of 11 PM and 7 AM.

For more information please visit www.saferoads.com.

Young Drivers

May 1st, 2011

The Camrose Police Service will be focusing on Young Drivers in the month of May as part of the province wide Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).  Vehicle crashes are the number one killer of young people in Alberta.  Age, inexperience, distraction and peer pressure are significant factors in vehicle-related injuries and death during the teen years.  Crash rates for young drivers are highest when there are teen passengers in the vehicle and when driving at night.  One in five new drivers is involved in a collision during their first year of driving.  

Parents play a vital role in teaching their teens to drive.  Parents of teen drivers should set a good example behind the wheel, and set specific rules for their teen driver and stick to them.  Parents can also enroll their teen in driver education, and most importantly, help your teen practice driving.   

Did you know? -   In Alberta, a parent of a driver under 18 years of age must give written consent to allow their teen to get their drivers license.  Parents can revoke that permission at any time, and their teen’s operator’s license will be suspended.  Parents have the right to revoke their teen’s license until they reach the age of 18 years.  If a parent or legal guardian wishes to withdraw parental consent, they will be required to submit their request in writing to any Alberta Registry Office.  The parental withdrawal must be initiated by the same person who signed the original consent form.

Vehicle Speed

April 1st, 2011

The selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for the month of April focuses on speed.  Speed has been found to be a major contributing factor in serious injury and fatal collisions.  Data indicates that speed related collisions begin to rise dramatically in April and carry through the remainder of the year.   

The speed limit within the City of Camrose is 50 km/h unless otherwise posted.  Motorists are also reminded that the speed limit in school and playground zones is 30km/h.  School zones are in effect from 8:00AM to 9:30AM, 11:30AM to 1:30PM and from 3:00PM to 4:30PM. Playground zones are in effect from 8:30AM to one hour after sunset. If you are unsure of the hours in which these speed limits are in effect then either reduce your speed to 30km/hr at all times or plan your route to avoid the zone altogether.

Fines for speeding can range from $57 for 1 km/h over to $351 for 50 km/h over the speed limit.  Motorists can be sent to court for going more than 50 km/h over the speed limit.   

In October 2005 Bill 39 was passed which requires motorists to slow to 60 km/h or less if the posted speed limit is lower, when passing emergency vehicles with their lights flashing.  The goal of Bill 39 is to reduce the risk of injury and death to emergency services personnel when responding to, or working at, emergency scenes.  This Bill also applies to construction zones when workers are present.  Fines for speeding in these areas are doubled and can range from $115 for 1 km/h over the limit to $703 for 50 km/h over the limit. 

Lower speeds also help prevent collisions.  Even a 5 km/h difference in speed can have an enormous impact on your stopping distance.  If two vehicles are traveling side by side, one at 60 km/h and one at 65 km/h, the vehicle traveling at 65 km/h will need an additional 4m to come to a stop.  Although 4m may not seem like a great distance, the vehicles lose half their speed in the last 5m.  What does that mean exactly?  While the 60km/h vehicle is nearly stopped and only traveling at 5 km/h, the other vehicle is still traveling at 27 km/h.  That 5 km/h at the beginning of the braking can be the difference between a collision with no injuries and little damage and a collision with major damage and injury. 

Occupant Restraints

March 1st, 2011

The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program for the month of March will be Occupant Restraints. 

Police will conduct check stops in various locations targeting not only seat belts, but also checking Child Occupant Restraints to ensure they are properly installed in the vehicle and that the child is in the appropriate seat / position. 

Infants under 1 year of age and under 22lbs (10kg) should remain rear facing.  Once a child is over 1 year old, is at least 22 lbs (10kg) and can get themselves from a seated to a standing position without any type of assistance they can be turned forward facing.  Forward facing child safety seats normally have a 5 point harness and are attached to the back seat via a seatbelt or by using the vehicle’s LATCH system.   

Information on notices and recalls of child safety seats can be found at:  http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/safedrivers/childsafety/ ;  

or by calling Transport Canada toll free at  1-800-333-0371 

Once a child weighs 40lbs (18kg) and is 40” tall, they have outgrown a child safety seat and move to a booster seat. All children under 9 years of age who weigh less than 80 lb (36 kg) or are under 4'9" (145 cm) should remain in a booster seat to help position the seat belt properly on the child’s body. A child is 4 times more likely to suffer a head injury in a crash when using just an adult seat belt than when buckled in a booster seat   

A child is ready to move to a seat belt when he can: 

• Sit with the lap portion of the belt low across the hips

• Sit with the shoulder part of the belt crossing between the neck and arm

• Sit with his knees bent comfortably at the edge of the vehicle seat

• Sit with his back against the back of the vehicle seat without slouching AND

• Remain in this position for the whole trip 
 

Unbelted occupants are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in motor vehicle collisions.  In 2003, the last year for which statistics are available, 43% of deaths are unbelted occupants and 57% of dead youths were unbelted. 

Buckle Up!