Calgary police promote traffic safety following deadly year on roads

Police are concerned about what they are calling an “alarming trend” in traffic safety and road behaviour in Calgary.

The Calgary Police Service says the statistics come from its year-end traffic report, which will be presented at the Calgary Police Commission meeting on Wednesday.

The document found that there were 29 fatal crashes last year, with 13 involving pedestrians.

It’s the highest number of road fatalities since 2013.

“So far this year, there have been three fatal collisions, two of which involved pedestrians, an alarming trend that the Calgary Police Service does not want to see continue,” police said in a news release.

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The crashes were attributed to a range of factors, such as pedestrians crossing streets without right-of-way and drivers proceeding without checking if it’s safe to do so, investigators said.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Insp. Paul Wozney of the CPS' traffic section.

“Motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone else who travels on Calgary roads must keep safety at the forefront of their minds all of the time.”

To help prevent serious and fatal traffic crashes, the CPS encourages all pedestrians to:

- always use designated crosswalks;

- look both ways and be aware of turning vehicles;

- always follow pedestrian signals;

- watch for multiple lanes;

- wear bright, reflective clothing when out at night;

- never jaywalk; and

- establish eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Police also ask drivers to make sure their vehicle, including their lights, are in good working order so they can see pedestrians, follow all posted speed limits and avoid distracted driving.

Wozney added the role of police is to enforce traffic laws and work with partners to improve safety.

“We all have a right to make it home safe every single day.”

In 2024, the CPS investigated 85 serious injury or fatal crashes, with the majority of those occurring in the final quarter of the year.

Thirty-five per cent of 2024’s fatal collisions were caused by speeding.