This release was issued under a previous government.
While the numbers fluctuate from year-to-year, traffic fatalities have declined by 22 per cent since Alberta’s first Traffic Safety Plan was introduced in 2007. The number of fatalities has dropped from 458 fatalities in 2007 to 358 in 2013.
There were a total of 141,638 collisions and 18,650 injuries on the roads last year – which is an increase of more than 5,000 collisions compared to 2012.
In the past year the number of drivers has increased by 80,306 and the number of vehicles is up by 128,195. Traffic volumes on our provincial highways have also jumped by 3.42 per cent.
“We recognize the challenges more drivers and vehicles present on our roads as our province continues to grow. But these numbers are further proof that all of us – and that means every Albertan – must take personal responsibility to ensure that others get home safely at the end of the day.”
Approximately 86 per cent of Albertans rate their own driving skills as good or excellent but the statistics show almost 87 per cent of collisions were the result of driver error.
“We encourage drivers to enjoy all Alberta has to offer. While out and about across the province, we ask all drivers to put safety first and be focused behind the wheel.”
Since 2007, the Government of Alberta has worked with its traffic safety partners to implement the Traffic Safety Plan, the first strategy of its kind in Canada. This critical work continues under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan 2015.