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News Release - Alberta

Saving Lives During Operation Impact, Update

Edmonton, Alberta 2006 OCT 05

Background
October 6-9, 2006 will mark Operation Impact, a national campaign to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.

This special weekend is a police initiative designed to remind people that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our roadways. Educating the public in safe driving practices is a priority. The focus will be on behaviours that put drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk: impaired driving, seat belt use, and all aspects related to aggressive driving. All enforcement agencies across the country have been invited to participate.

"The deaths, pain and broken hearts that result from carelessness behind the wheel can be prevented," says S/Sgt. Al Knibbs, Acting Officer in charge of 'K' Division Traffic Services. "Police agencies across the country are collaborating on this project because they have seen more than enough death and injury on the country's roadways. We know that the involvement of the driving public is essential to achieving safer streets and highways."

Update
During last year’s Operation Impact RCMP across Alberta responded to motor vehicle collisions that claimed four lives and left twenty-eight with serious injuries.

Again this year officers were targeting driving actions that are known to significantly contribute to the loss of life and serious injuries. During the 2006 Operation Impact Campaign RCMP were called to investigate motor vehicle collisions that claimed six lives and left 8 with serious injuries. Staff Sergeant Al Knibbs acting Officer in charge of Traffic Services for RCMP “K” Division noted, ”these statistics are truly sad as every death and injury involved at least one element proven to be a contributing factor; alcohol, speed, seatbelts and aggressive driving” Everyone was preventable.”

Law enforcement agencies across Canada are committed to Road Safety Vision 2010, making Canada’s roadways among the safest in the world. We will continue with educational programs, driver awareness initiatives and law enforcement efforts. Many view enforcement as nothing more than a tax grab. If that is the case then truly drivers have a choice. Obey the laws and arrive at your destination safely avoiding that dreaded traffic fine. Disobey the laws and not only will you buy into the tax grab theory but you may well become an injury of fatality statistic or be directly responsible for another person’s injury or death. It is likely safe to say that every person traveling on Alberta highways this weekend had the mind set, it will never happen to me. Sadly for some it has happened to them . This will continue to happen until people change their habits and attitudes.

The men and women of law enforcement who are called to investigate these collisions are deeply saddened by the injuries and loss of life. This impact is felt the most when called to inform the families. Our officers see first hand through first response and the follow-up investigations the senselessness of inappropriate driver actions. This gives our officers a strong commitment to attaining the goal of Road Safety Vision 2010. They will continue in their efforts to make our highways safe for everyone. As stated in the past the most significant factor is you the motorist. Everyone of us has a part to play.

We have a brief snap shot of enforcement numbers from communities around the province

Province wide in RCMP jurisdictions there were six fatalities and eight serious injury collisions.

Media contact

S/Sgt. Al Knibbs
Action Officer in charge
RCMP"K" Division Traffic
780 - 412 - 5582