2016
Traffic Analysis
Table of Contents
Table of Contents……………………………………………….
Page 1
Collision Overview……………………………………………..
Page 2
Sub-Categories of Interest……………………………………..
Page 3
Who……………………………………………………………..
Page 5
When…………………..………………………………………..
Page 6
Why…………………...………………………………………...
Page 9
Where………………….………………………………………..
Page 10
Education………………………………………………………
Page 16
Goals for 2017………………………………………………….
Page 17
Collisions of Interest…………………………………………..
Page 21
Acknowledgements…………………………………………….
Page 28
1
COLLISION OVERVIEW
The 2016 Collision Analysis will incorporate statistics from collisions that occur on
private property (i.e. - parking lots) and on city streets (on highway). Some reference
will be made to total collisions (city streets and private property) for statistical purposes,
however the Collision Analysis will primarily concentrate on the times, the locations, the
type of people involved, and the primary reasons that collisions occur on city streets (on
highway collisions). Some enforcement statistics will be provided which are used to
develop strategies on an annual basis that assist in reducing collisions and enhancing
traffic safety. Finally, cases of interest pertaining to some serious collisions will be
incorporated at the end of this report.
2016 had no fatal collisions on our streets. The last fatality involving a collision occurred
in 2015 when one fatal collision was recorded in January. Review of the 2016 injury
collisions have stayed the same, with 24 injury collisions occurring in both 2016 and
2015. Active strategies such as enforcement, roving patrols, CheckStops and the Curb the
Danger Program are presently in place as deterrents to reduce these types of collisions.
The total number of collisions (private property and on highway) decreased slightly by
13% in 2016. (694 in 2015 compared to 605 in 2016) On highway collisions decreased
slightly from 407 collisions in 2015 to 368 collisions in 2016 (10% decrease). One
possible factor in the decrease of collisions could be attributed to the relatively warm
winter that occurred this past year. The two tables below illustrate the recorded statistics.
TOTAL COLLISIONS
2012 2013 2014
2015
2016
Fatal
Injury
0
28
0
41
0
41
1
24
0
24
Property Damage (Under $2,000)
123
106
108
106
81
Property Damage (Over $2,000)
Total
557
708
567
714
604
753
563
694
500
605
2015
2016
ON HIGHWAY COLLISIONS 2012 2013 2014
Fatal
0
0
0
1
0
Injury
23
38
28
24
23
Property Damage (Under $2000)
121
101
102
85
68
Property Damage (Over $2000)
311
319
336
297
277
Total
455
367
466
407
368
2
SUB-CATEGORIES OF INTEREST
While the 2016 Collision Analysis will focus primarily with on highway collisions, there
is merit to examine the total collisions (collisions occurring both on private property and
on highway) in regards to a number of particular categories of interest. By doing so,
specific prevention and enforcement plans can be developed. Of particular interest to any
analysis is the number of collisions involving the more vulnerable roadway users, which
includes pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. We also evaluate the total number of
collisions that occurred at intersections. In addition to this, the total number of hit and
run collisions was examined for any significant trend changes. The analysis break down
for these collisions is as follows:
Sub-Categories of Interest
Pedestrian Collisions
Bicycle Collisions
Motorcycle Collisions
Hit & Run Collisions
Intersection Collisions
2012
7
3
3
179
2013
8
5
0
186
2014
6
5
2
182
2015
10
5
4
160
2016
2
2
0
133
86
131
181
190
168
The total number of pedestrian collisions has decreased from 2015 – 2016, from 10 to 2.
Over the past 5 years the average is 6.6 collisions per year. Police were concerned with
the high number of pedestrian collisions in 2015 and focused on intersection safety and
monitoring intersections with high pedestrian flow to decrease the number of collisions
that include pedestrians. Of note in 2015 there were a few collisions that involved student
pedestrians entering the roadways between parked school buses in school zones.
Thankfully no serious injuries resulted from these collisions, but Police and the school
administrations noticed a concern that needed to be addressed. The schools have since
adopted a new bus parking policy where the buses park close together to discourage
students from entering the roadway in between parked buses.
The total number of bicycle collisions has stayed fairly consistent during the last 5 year
period with a significant decrease in 2016. In 2012 a bicycle safety program was
implemented by the School Resource Officer, Crime Prevention Officer and Traffic
Member to educate young cyclists on rules of the road and traffic safety tips. This
program has continued to be offered in various Camrose Schools in a class room setting.
The Camrose Police Service was also a partner in the Public Health Bicycle Safety Rodeo
and played an active role in educating young riders with bicycle safety rules. Clearly
these programs are working on the community.
The total number of motorcycle collisions decreased completely from 4 in 2016 to 0 in
2017. July 2016 is the Provincial S.T.E.P. Motorcycle Safety Initiative month, which this
Service participated in to promote motorcycle safety awareness. Focus on enforcement
in relation to motorcycle violations will continue in an attempt to keep these collisions at
a minimum.
3
The total number of hit and run collisions that occurred on both private property and on
highways was examined for 2016. There were 133 total hit and run collisions reported,
which calculates to 22% of all reported collisions (605). In 2015 there were 159 hit and
run collisions however there were 666 total collisions which correlates to 24% of the total
collisions reported to Police. It is important to note that although the number of hit and
run collisions has decreased, the percentages have remained consistent.
4
WHO IS INVOLVED IN COLLISIONS
As in any police investigation, who, when, why, and where are important considerations
to assist in determining the reason for the collision and implementing strategies to reduce
potential future collisions. All on-highway collisions were initially examined to
determine who is most likely to be involved in a collision. In 2016 the age category of
driver’s most likely to be involved in a collision for male drivers were between the ages
of 21-30 years with 57 male drivers; however the age category 51-60 years was also
largely represented by male drivers. In 2016, there were 33 females aged between 21-30
years involved in collisions, the largest number for the female category. However in 2015
the largest number for female drivers was in the 61-70 years of age category, with 32
female drivers. It is important to note that 2014 also saw a large number of female drivers
in the 21-30 years of age category, with 38 drivers that year falling into that age category.
The trend of young adult driver’s involved in collisions has not gone unnoticed. In 2017
Police hope to bring education and awareness to young driver’s in hopes to decrease the
number of collisions.
2016
Age
Males
Females
14-17
18-20
21-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
24
8
57
46
47
50
28
30
14
11
33
17
18
20
17
15
80+
24
13
5
WHEN COLLISIONS OCCUR
By examining the days and hours that most on-highway collisions are more likely to
occur Police are better able to strategize the deployment of police resources to enforce
better driving habits. The following three tables will show the number of collisions that
occur each month, day and hour, with the highest frequency for each year highlighted.
Monthly Totals
Month
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
January
60
65
70
74
51
February
63
49
54
60
51
March
66
76
59
56
60
April
45
38
71
41
38
May
43
60
45
57
48
June
40
39
49
55
39
July
49
40
55
53
63
August
44
49
57
49
47
September
52
53
50
55
42
October
65
47
57
57
44
November
73
76
69
57
36
December
80
81
76
52
62
6
Weekly Totals
Day of the Week
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Monday
88
106
88
92
70
Tuesday
107
11
97
114
87
Wednesday
86
86
105
101
79
Thursday
109
104
132
116
109
Friday
138
108
136
112
114
Saturday
82
89
102
81
71
Sunday
70
69
52
50
51
7
Hourly Totals
Hour of the Day
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
0100
0200
0300
0400
0500
0600
0700
0800
0900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
2100
2200
2300
2400
8
5
4
3
3
8
12
29
32
40
42
51
53
61
1
7
7
2
3
8
16
28
31
48
51
1
5
2
4
2
16
8
45
33
48
60
63
56
58
7
3
6
1
0
6
11
26
29
43
45
62
52
56
7
4
1
1
2
7
10
24
32
34
38
64
54
34
70
65
68
45
46
38
22
12
13
8
24
33
56
45
44
24
21
26
11
8
37
48
39
29
14
12
10
13
19
17
65
53
65
37
22
21
21
8
10
27
67
61
58
58
53
45
33
24
18
12
14
8
20
Review of the statistical data determined that most collisions during the previous 4 year
period occur in either December or January. This year the month with the most collisions
was July followed closely by December. Clearly driving conditions will not be as big of
a factor during the month of July. Police will continue to monitor the trend to see if it
continues or if it returns to the norm. The day with the highest number of collisions in
2016 was Friday with 114 reported collisions, which is consistent with previous years
where Friday reflected the highest number of reported collisions. Sunday has
consistently been the day that has had the least amount of collisions reported for the last 5
year period. The 5 year trend also displays the pattern that a collision is more likely to
occur between 12-3 PM.
8
WHY COLLISIONS OCCUR
The final outcome of collisions can also be considered an important tool when
considering the type of enforcement strategies that could be implemented to assist in
reducing collisions. One of these strategies is to make people more aware of their driving
through the consequences that result in collisions; this is done by laying charges when
appropriate. In 2016 there was 170 charges associated to the 368 (46%) on highway
collisions that were reported. This number is slightly less than 2015. In 2015, of the 382
on highway collisions, 197 collisions (51%) had charges associated to them. The
increased enforcement has acted as a deterrent and continues to assist in the prevention of
future collisions. This effort will continue in 2017.
The Traffic Unit examines each collision that occurs in the city of Camrose. The purpose
is to ensure that charges are laid where appropriate and to determine the cause of the
collision. In review of the 2016 collisions it was noted that failing to back up safely was
the most common cause of collisions reported, with 133 (23%) of the total 581 reported
collisions. Lane Violations is the second most prevalent cause of a collision. Lane
violations range from swerving in your lane, drifting out of your designated driving lane,
to unsafe lane changes. This stat is reflective of not paying proper attention when
driving, whether it is distracted driving or another such distraction, lane violations are an
increasing trend. The next highest causes are following too close, turn violations and
rounding out the top five causes is failing to proceed safely. Traffic and Patrol Members
will continue to monitor several intersections identified through statistical data for these
violations to help reduce similar collisions in 2017. The following is a breakdown of
some of the primary causes that are associated with reported collisions.
Top Ten Primary Causes of Collisions 2016 Totals
Backing
Lane Violation
Turn Violation
Follow Too Close
Fail to Proceed Safely
Speed
Parking Violation
Road Sign Violation
Animal
Distracted Driving Violation
133
56
37
31
29
29
28
16
15
14
9
ROAD & WEATHER CONDITIONS
Other contributing factors in determining why collisions occur are road and weather
conditions. In 2016, road conditions were noted to be a factor of 25% of the collisions
and weather conditions were a factor of 8% of collisions. In comparison, in 2015 road
conditions were noted to be a factor in 30% of the collisions and weather conditions were
a factor in 8% of the collisions. As mentioned above, 2015 and 2016 saw a relatively
warm winter, which likely contributed to a lower than average collision total.
Road Conditions
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Slush/Snow/Ice
249
283
259
168
114
Loose Surface Material
4
6
4
2
1
Wet/Muddy
26
28
31
30
33
Other
4
1
0
0
1
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Raining
18
17
16
20
16
Snowing
55
60
46
30
27
Hail/Sleet
2
1
1
2
0
Fog
1
1
1
1
3
Weather Conditions
WHERE COLLISIONS OCCUR
Where a collision occurs is an important factor for an analysis as it allows Police an
opportunity to predict where the collisions are most likely to occur; thus allowing for
additional enforcement in those specific areas. Our analysis confirms that of the 345
collisions that occurred on-highway, 168 of them happened at intersections. In 2015
there were 189 collisions at intersections of the 382 total on highway collisions.
Provincially the three main causes for collisions at intersections are: unsafe left turn
across the path of an on-coming vehicle, stop sign violations, or disobeying traffic control
devices. Through additional patrols during high collisions times at high impact
intersections, these types of collisions can be prevented. Police will continue to make
Intersection Safety a priority into 2017.
The top 4 intersections where a collision was most
likely to occur in 2016 are listed here. 68 St and 48
Ave leads again this year along with Grand Drive and
48 Avenue remaining on the list. Of note 51 Street
and 48 Avenue and 53 Street and 48 Avenue have
been replaced with 73 Street and 48 Avenue and 65
Street and 48 Avenue. All of the top 4 collision
locations included on this chart are along 48 Avenue.
Location
68 Street & 48 Avenue
73 Street & 48 Avenue
65 Street & 48 Avenue
Grand Drive & 48 Avenue
2016
13
10
8
8
10
PREVENTATIVE ENFORCEMENT
As previously indicated proactive police presence of uniformed police officers in marked
units, combined with appropriate enforcement action, assist in reducing the number of
collisions. Moving violations tickets decreased by 14%. It is noted that Moving
Violations decreased from 9087 in 2014 and dropped marginally to 8961 in 2015 by 2%
with a further decrease to 7732 in 2016. Non-moving violations decreased by 5% while
parking violations were noted to increase drastically by 82% to 102 violations in 2016.
Effective enforcement strategies will again be an important factor as part of the 2017
Traffic Plan to ensure the number of reported collisions continues to reduce in subsequent
years. The following table outlines the total number of non-criminal charges laid by
police in 2015 and 2016.
Non-Criminal
Offences
2015
2016
% Change
Fail to Stop/Remain
8
13
63%
Careless Driving
10
8
-20%
Suspended Driving
27
21
-22%
Moving Violations
8961
7732
-14%
Non-Moving
Violations
Insurance Charges
671
636
-5%
35
59
69%
Parking Violations
56
102
82%
9768
8571
-12%
TOTAL
Overall criminal offences increased by 11% in 2016. Enforcement strategies such as
enhanced police patrols, more CheckStops, the Curb the Danger Program, Bill 26
Legislation, monthly initiatives in relation to the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program
and proactive enforcement have had a positive impact on Impaired Driving in our
community. Tracking the statistics since 2012 and the implementation of Bill 26
Roadside Suspensions have decreased 40% from 2012 to 2013 and 51% from 2013 to
2014. In 2015 there was a spike in the number of Roadside Suspensions from 30 in 2014
up to 53 in 2015, an increase of 77%. Roadside suspensions decreased by 23% to 41 in
2016.
2016 saw an increase of 6% for Impaired Driving charges. The Camrose Police Service
continues to work diligently with our Police partners in curbing the number of impaired
drivers on our streets. We participated in two joint enhanced CheckStops with the
Wetaskiwin Integrated Traffic Unit as well as hosting that same unit during our annual
Big Valley Jamboree.
11
The following table outlines the total number of criminal charges laid by police in 2014,
2015 and 2016. It was noted in 2016 that the amount of Disqualified Driving charges
increased by 25% after a previous decrease of 45% in 2015. Criminal Fail to Remain at
the scene of a Collison stats were not captured in previous years and have been added to
the table for 2016.
Criminal Offences
2014
2015
2016
% of Change
Roadside Suspensions
30
53
41
-23%
Impaired
57
52
55
6%
Fail to Provide
6
7
5
-29%
Disqualified Driving
22
12
15
25%
Dangerous Operation
15
12
29
142%
6
0%
151
11%
Fail to Remain Criminal
TOTAL
130
136
12
Curb The Danger Program
Another important enforcement strategy used by the Camrose Police Service is to
actively target impaired drivers in an attempt to reduce impaired driving related
collisions. Past provincial and national programs have shown the correlation between
impaired drivers and collisions. The Camrose Police Service actively targets impaired
drivers through roving patrols, CheckStops and by responding to complaints received
from the public.
The Curb the Danger Program was implemented in Camrose in September 2010. In the
12 months preceding the Curb the Danger Program being implemented, a total of 13
impaired drivers were located and charged as a result of citizen complaints. In the first
year after implementation of the Curb the Danger Program (September 2010-September
2011), a total of 29 impaired drivers were located and charged (123% increase). In 2012
there were a total of 30 drivers located and charged with impaired driving related
offences as a result of complaints received from the public. In 2016 there were 203 calls
received under the Curb the Danger Program, up from 187 in 2015. Out of those reported
calls a total of 109 vehicles (53.7%) were intercepted by Police so just over half the calls.
Out of those intercepted vehicles 48 (44.0%) resulted in charges or suspensions laid by
the police, 23 (21.1%) resulted in Impaired Charges. Further evaluation of this program
shows that the highest call volume for possible reported impaired drivers is between the
times of 6:00 P.M. and 8:59 P.M. In 2015 the highest reported time was between 9:00
PM and 11:59 PM. The most prevalent day which Camrose Police Service received calls
of a possible impaired driver is Saturday with 43 calls and Friday with 42 calls. The
effectiveness of this program has been very successful. The below table identifies the
2016 Curb the Danger statistics:
13
2016 Curb the Danger (Calls Received by Police)
Results of Curb The Danger (Calls Received by Police)
Category
Calls
% of Total Calls
CPS Intercepted Driver
Letter Issued
No Follow Up: No Plate Information Reported
No Follow Up: Incorrect Information Reported
No Follow Up: Out of CPS Area
No Follow Up: No Driving Pattern Reported
No Follow Up: Telephone Follow Up by Communications
No Follow Up: Repeat Call
Results Unknown
109
33
50
3
4
4
-
53.7%
16.3%
24.6%
0%
1.5%
2.0%
2.0%
0.0%
0.0%
TOTAL CALLS RECEIVED
203
100%
2016 Curb the Danger (Action Taken by Police)
Primary Charges Made
Category
Calls % of Total Calls % of Intercepts
Impaired Charges
72 Hour Suspension
24 Hour Suspension
Other Charges
J444s (Provincial Violation Notices)
Instances Where Driver Received One
or More of the Above Three Results
23
1
9
25
16
48
11.3%
0.5%
4.4%
12.3%
7.9%
23.6%
21.1%
0.9%
8.3%
22.9%
14.7%
44.0%
14
Average Intoxilyzer Readings by Gender
A further review of the total impaired driving charges laid by police in 2016 noted that
there were 38 male and 11 female drivers charged with Impaired Driving The number of
males charged decreased but the number of females increased from 2015. This number
does not reflect refusal or fail to provide readings as there are no readings obtained. This
number does include one Blood reading where Police did a blood demand for an
Impaired Driving collision investigation where a male’s readings were 102 mg. The
average breath sample reading in 2016 for males is 165 mg, while the females average
readings was 158 mg. The average reading for males increased slightly but the number
of males charged is at a new low. The average reading for females dropped from an all
time high of 183 mg to the more consistent 158 mg range.
Year
Number Of Males Average Reading Number of Females Average Reading
2011
88
156
13
160
2012
66
155
23
130
2013
70
159
12
170
2014
44
153
8
154
2015
44
146
8
183
2016
38
165
11
158
CheckStops
Another important tool in deterring impaired drivers is the CheckStop Program. In 2016
the Camrose Police Service checked 6025 vehicles during 50 CheckStops. The
CheckStop Program is aimed at educating the driving public of the dangers and
consequences of drinking and driving. The intent of the program is to deter and change
public attitude towards drinking and driving through mediums other than convictions.
The vast majority of the public provide positive reactions to the CheckStop Program.
Year
Number Of
CheckStops
# of Vehicles
Checked
# of Persons Resulting in
Arrest for Impaired Driving
# of Charges Resulting in
other Enforcement Action
2011
55
6,506
5
44
2012
49
5,968
3
32
2013
50
5,987
0
34
2014
46
6,857
2
41
2015
45
8,512
0
59
2016
50
6,025
2
55
15
EDUCATION
Education is a very important part of traffic safety. It is impossible for enforcement
officers to be everywhere or to take action on every offence. As a result, there is a need
for the voluntary compliance of traffic laws. By educating people on the consequences
and dangers that may occur by not abiding to the traffic laws, people can be persuaded to
change their driving behavior.
As part of the City of Camrose Safety Policy, the staff of Leisure Services and Public
Works received in-service instruction provided by the Traffic Member relating to a
variety of traffic related matters that included the use of seat belts, speeding, cargo
securement, distracted driving, rules of the roads and regulations and other related traffic
laws. The City of Camrose Employees were also provided advice on being diligent in
observing and reporting traffic related offences.
The Alberta Traffic Safety Calendar assists Police Services across Alberta to focus their
education and enforcement on specific issues allowing agencies to have a unified
message throughout the month. On a regular basis, the Camrose Police Service, through
media relations with the Camrose Canadian and Camrose Booster newspapers, and the
Cam FM Radio Station, provide the media outlets with information pertaining to traffic
safety initiatives in order to increase public awareness within the community. The
Traffic Unit also posts the monthly Traffic Initiative on the Camrose Police Service
website.
The Camrose Traffic Safety Committee involves various partners within the community
who share their concerns from different perspectives in an effort to develop new ideas
and initiatives to improve traffic safety. The group involves stakeholders from
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Alberta Motor Association, Battle River School
Division, Alberta Heath Services, Emergency Medical Response, County Protective
Services, the City of Camrose and the Camrose Police Service.
16
GOALS FOR 2017
In order to reduce the amount of collisions, injuries and fatalities that occur, it is
important to set goals for 2017. Listed below are some of the strategies and programs that
will be utilized in 2017. Some of the success of these strategies has been discussed
previously and will continue to be used in 2017.
Seat Belts
Wearing your seatbelt in Alberta has been law since 1987; however there are still a large
number of people who don’t wear their seatbelt. In 2015 the Camrose Police Service
issued 247 seatbelt tickets to occupants of motor vehicles. In 2016 Police laid 213
seatbelt tickets.
Studies have confirmed that wearing seatbelts reduces the severity of injuries sustained in
major collisions. Wearing your seatbelt keeps you in the part of the vehicle deemed the
engineered life space. This prevents the occupant from being ejected or striking anything
inside the vehicle that will contribute to the severity of an injury or even death.
The Camrose Police Service, in partnership with the Alberta Occupant Restraint
Program, will again be targeting those who choose not to buckle up. The Provincial
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program identifies March and October as occupant
restraint months. Seatbelt safety will be targeted specifically in these months.
Impaired Driving
Statistics have been captured in the past 5 years, since the implementation of Bill 26. The
number of impaired driver charges has increased 6% this year and the number of roadside
suspensions issued by the Camrose Police Service has decreased by 22%. The education
through media and disseminating the message through CheckStops has shown that this
has had a successful impact on our streets.
Curb the Danger, a successful impaired driving program, involves concerned citizens
within the community who contact Police when they suspect an impaired driver. Over the
past year, the Camrose Police Service has received over 200 calls from the public
regarding possible impaired drivers. This initiative has proven that the general public is
aware of the dangers of Impaired Driving and that they do not tolerate those who drive
impaired.
In 2016 the Camrose Police Service wanted to implement coordinated CheckStops within
the City of Camrose with outside agencies. The Camrose Police Service conducted
several Joint Force Operation CheckStops with the Wetaskiwin Integrated Traffic RCMP
Section and the Alberta Sheriffs. A large CheckStop program was utilized over the Big
Valley Jamboree weekend in August. These joint operations will continue in 2017.
The Camrose Police Service was also an active participant in Canada Road Safety Week
during the week leading up to the Victoria Day long weekend in May as well as
Operation Impact over the Thanksgiving Long Week-end. These are annual collaborative
effort by Canadian Police Services to aggressively enforce the laws that govern high risk
activities of road users. Involvement with this campaign will continue in future years.
17
Speed Enforcement
Reducing speed decreases the distance a vehicle will travel while an operator perceives
and reacts to a threat. The lower speed will also reduce the amount of distance required
for a vehicle to stop once the operator has taken evasive action. Additionally, a reduction
of speed lowers the amount of kinetic energy involved in a collision, and therefore lowers
the amount of property damage and the risk of being injured in a collision.
All members of the Camrose Police Service take an active role in Speed Enforcement.
That said one of our most successful tools involves our Photo Radar Unit. Photo Radar
enforcement within the community of Camrose has proven to be a very successful tool in
reducing vehicle speed. Photo Radar will continue to operate in school zones to assist our
youth in safely traveling to and from school. The Camrose Police Service members
issued 670 speeding tickets in 2016. The Photo Radar operators issued 6597 violations in
2016.
18
Distracted Driving
Research indicates that driver distraction contributes to 20% - 30% 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.
Alberta’s new Distracted Driving Law came into effect in 2011. Our Service will
continue to enforce this legislation heavily in 2017 by educating the public and reducing
the number of preventable collisions caused by distracted drivers that occur within our
city.
Distracted Driving has shown to be a continuing problem in Camrose and throughout
Alberta. At the beginning of 2015 the penalty for Distracted Driving in Alberta was a
fine of $172 with no demerits. On May 1, 2015 the Alberta Government increased the
fine to $287 with no demerits. This was in an effort to curb the growing trend of
Distracted Driving on Alberta’s roadways.
In an attempt to analyze this problem further the Camrose Police Service tracked the
number of Distracted Driving violation tickets issued in 2015. In all there were 407
Distracted Driving tickets issued in the 2015 calendar year by Camrose Police Service
Members. It is clear that the increase in the fine amount did not curb the distracted
driving problem in Camrose. From January – April (When the fine was $172) the
Camrose Police Service issued 126 tickets for Distracted Driving which is an average of
31.5 tickets per month. From May – December 2015 (after the fine had increased to
$287) the Camrose Police Service issued 283 tickets for Distracted Driving which is an
average of 35.4 tickets per month. Our statistics prove that the fine increase from $172 $287 with no demerits did not stem the growing trend of Distracted Driving on our
roadways.
On January 1, 2016 the Alberta Government added 3 demerit points to the $287 fine for
distracted driving. Throughout 2016 The Camrose Police Service issued 193 violation
tickets for Distracted Driving which is down from 407 tickets issued in 2015. This shows
an average of 16.1 tickets issued by Camrose Police Service members per month. The
implementation of 3 demerit points to the $287 fine for distracted driving may have
something to do with the lower numbers. However complaints from citizens and off duty
observations of Police have not seen a decrease in this magnitude. The total number of
moving violations is down 14% this year compared to last year. Police are also noticing
motorists are taking more care in concealing that they are on their phones while driving.
Media
As mentioned before, the monthly traffic initiatives in 2017 will be advertised through
the Camrose Canadian and Camrose Booster newspapers as well as posted on the
Camrose Police Service website. An interview will be conducted with the Traffic
Division Officer periodically and a news article will be released in relation to that
specific Safety Plan measure. The aim of these media releases is to inform the public
about the Traffic Initiatives set out by the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan as well as to
educate the City of Camrose on common traffic errors.
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Intersection Safety
The vast majority of collisions occur at intersections. In 2016 29% of collisions in the
City of Camrose occurred at intersections. The top 10 intersections in 2016 collisions are
as follows:
Top 10 Intersections
Total
68 Street & 48 Avenue
73 Street & 48 Avenue
65 Street & 48 Avenue
Grand Drive & 48 Avenue
66 Street & 48 Avenue
50 Street & 48 Avenue
53 Street & 48 Avenue
39 Street & 48 Avenue
Mount Pleasant Drive & 48 Avenue
48 Street & 49 Avenue
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10
8
8
8
7
7
6
5
4
These collisions occur due to a number of reasons including but not limited to speed, turn
violations, and traffic control violations. It is not that the driver’s do not know how to
properly negotiate the intersection safely but that drivers need to become more aware at
busy intersections. Throughout 2017 the Camrose Police Service will be conducting
increased monitoring of intersections, particularly the high collision intersections, in
order to check for distracted driving, seatbelt, and other moving violations.
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2016 COLLISIONS OF INTEREST
File # 2016-44343 – January 11th, 2016
Injury Collision – Left Turn Across Path
At 5:30 P.M. on January 11th the Camrose Police Service received several 911 calls of a
collision at 48 Avenue and Camrose Drive on the East end of Camrose, Alberta. Police,
Fire and EMS responded and determined that the 55 year female driver of a white Toyota
Tundra car was west on 48 Avenue and turned South onto Camrose Drive directly in
front of a Pontiac Pursuit who had the right of way. There was significant damage to the
car and the 28 year old male driver and a six year old passenger suffered injuries as a
result of the collision. The female driver of the truck was charged with Improper Left
turn.
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File # 2016-345742 – March 24th, 2016
50 Street and 48 Avenue – Fail to Obey Red Light
At 3:15 P.M. Police received a call of a collision involving 3 vehicles at 50 Street and 48
avenue. It was determined that a 23 year old female was driving her green Dodge
Caravan east on 48 Avenue and failed to stop for the red light at the 50 Street
intersection. As a result, her vehicle struck a white Honda Odyssey driven by a 33 year
old female as she drove south on 50 Street through the intersection. The green van then
struck an orange car driven by a 23 year old male as he was driving north on 50 Street
and attempting to turn west on 48 Avenue. The 33 year old female was charged with
failing to stop for a red light.
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File # 2016-910269 – July 16th, 2016
48 Avenue and 56 Street – Follow to Closely
At 1:12 P.M. on July 16th Police received a complaint of a three vehicle collision with no
injuries. Police determined that all vehicles were traveling West on 48 Avenue when a 30
year old male driving a Dodge truck stopped at the pedestrian crosswalk to allow a
female to cross the road. A white Chevrolet car driven by a 32 year old male stopped
behind the truck. A 60 year old male driving a Ford Windstar failed to stop and rearended the white car causing it to propel into the truck. The pedestrian was not involved
in the collision. The 60 year old male was issued a violation for following too closely.
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File # 2016-1307835 – October 1st, 2016
48 Avenue and 39 Street – Unsafe Left Turn – No Seatbelt
At 5:18 P.M. on October 1st, 2017 Police received a 9-11 call advising of a collision at
the intersection of 39 Street and 48 Avenue with one passenger badly injured. Police
arrived and advised of an 80 year old male passenger trapped in the passenger seat of a
grey car. There were two females in a green Surburban which had airbag deployment
that needed EMS treatment as well. The Police investigation determined that an 18 year
old female, with a 53 year old female passenger, were traveling North on 39 Street in a
green Chevrolet Surburban approaching 48 Avenue. The light cycle was a solid green
light at the intersection. A grey car was South on 39 Street being driven by a 80 year old
male. The Grey car turned East in front of the Surburban and the Surburban struck the
passenger side of the car. It was determined that the male driver of the car was not
wearing his seatbelt during the time of impact and suffered significant injuries as a result.
He was trapped in the car and had to be extricated by the Camrose Fire Department. All
three individuals involved in the collision were brought to St. Mary's Hospital and treated
for their injuries. The females in the Surburban had minor cuts and were protected by the
airbags and seatbelt systems in the vehicle. The 80 year old male suffered bruising,
broken bones in his right foot and a concussion. He did not have any recollection of the
collision. The male was issued a violation ticket for Turning Left Unsafely.
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File # 2016-78851 – March 9th, 2016
72 Mount Pleasant Drive – Impaired Collision
At 1:09 A.M Police received several calls that a vehicle had struck a tree and was fully
engulfed in flames in front of 72 Mount Pleasant Drive. Police, Fire and EMS were
dispatched. On arrival Police learned that the driver had fled the scene and obtained a
description. Through interviewing the witnesses Police identified the driver, and
attended his residence where a male, matching the description provided, walked up the
sidewalk towards them. The male had visible injuries to his face with multiple cuts, a
swollen lip, and cut to his forehead. He admitted to being the driver and was
subsequently arrested. He was brought to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment of his
injuries. Police made a blood demand of the Accused as he was admitted to the hospital
and the blood was sent away for analysis. The Blood analysis results came in and
determined the male was over the legal limit. He was charged with Impaired Driving,
Driving over 80 mgs alcohol in 100 ml of blood, Dangerous Driving, and Criminal Hit
and Run.
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File # 2016-917837 – July 17th, 2016
48 Avenue 66 Street – Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
At 10:23 P.M. Police received multiple 911 calls advising of a two vehicle collision with
multiple injuries and people trapped. Police arrived and determined that a Volkswagon
Jetta, with 4 occupants, had been rear ended while stopped at a red light facing west at
the intersection of 48th Avenue and 66th Street. A Dodge Dart driven by a 28 year old
female had been traveling at an extremely high rate of speed and struck the rear of the
Jetta propelling it into the intersection. A subsequent investigation gathered evidence
that the driver of the Dodge Dart had consumed alcohol and had been travelling in excess
of 100 km/h along 48th Avenue and failed to break prior to rear ending the stopped
vehicle. All of the passengers involved in the collision sustained injuries, requiring the
assistance of the Camrose Fire Department to extricate a passenger and EMS and STARS
air ambulance to treat and transport the injured. The driver of the Dodge Dart was
charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm of the Criminal
Code.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Road safety is an area of significant priority and ensuring the safety of road users requires
the commitment of a considerable amount of police resources. Every aspect of traffic
safety is a shared responsibility. The three E’s of traffic safety are Education,
Engineering, and Enforcement. These terms are simplistic in nature and do not take into
account the cooperation of all elements of society to ensure we are safe on the roads.
The important aspects of engineering cannot be understated, along with road maintenance
responsibilities performed by Public Works staff. The prompt sanding of icy roads, the
quick and efficient repair of the roadways, signs and lights, and erection of barricades at
collision scenes are just a few examples of the commitment of enhancing public road
safety.
Enforcement partnerships are key to road safety. The stakeholders of the Camrose
Partners in Traffic Safety share their concerns and provide input into traffic safety issues
from various perspectives. A special thank you is provided to the RCMP and the Alberta
Sheriffs for their assistance with joint efforts between the agencies in assisting our
agency with CheckStops and other traffic initiatives in the City of Camrose.
Prevention strategies include a variety of programs designed to educate and heighten
public awareness. These programs include CheckStops, bicycle safety, seatbelt and car
seat use, and the traffic safety in and around our schools. The ultimate goal of the Traffic
Unit and the Camrose Police Service is to fulfill the Services mission statement of
“Public Safety through Policing Excellence.”
I would like to thank Communication Technician Ms. Huneault for her valuable input
into the 2016 Traffic Analysis.
Report Prepared by
Cst. A. BELANGER
Traffic Unit
Reviewed by
S/Sgt. R. BRISSON
Camrose Police Service
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