The Calgary Police Service speaks to concerning traffic trends

Calgary police urge Calgarians to do their part in ensuring road safety in response to concerning trend in serious-injury and fatal collisions
After responding to 29 fatal collisions last year, the highest number of fatal collisions Calgary has seen since 2013, the Calgary Police Service is expressing concern regarding road safety and road-user behaviour.
Of those 29 fatal collisions, 13 involved pedestrians. So far this year, there have been three fatal collisions, two of them involving pedestrians, an alarming trend that the Calgary Police Service does not want to see continue.
While it is difficult to attribute a single cause to these incidents, generally speaking, investigators are seeing a combination of pedestrians crossing streets without the right of way, and some motorists proceeding when it is not always safe to do so. It is important to know that there have been incidents where pedestrians are crossing in crosswalks and have still been struck.
By the numbers:
• Last year, the Calgary Police Service Traffic Unit conducted a total of 85 traffic investigations related to serious-injury or fatal collisions, which ties with the year 2007 as the highest yearly count on record.
• The majority of fatal collisions occurred in the final quarter of 2024.
• Of last year’s 29 fatal collisions, 18 involved a vulnerable road user (pedestrian or motorcyclist).
• Last year, 35 per cent of fatal collisions involved unsafe or excessive speed.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” says Inspector Paul Wozney of the Calgary Police Service 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. We know that as police, we have a role to play too when it comes to enforcing laws around road use, and we remain committed to working with our partners at The City, and others, when it comes to actioning the Safer Mobility Plan. We all have a right to make it home safe every single day.”
The Calgary Police Service reminds all Calgarians to:
• Use designated crosswalks: Always cross at marked crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians.
• Look both ways: Stop at the curb and look left, right and left again before crossing. Be aware of turning vehicles.
• Follow signals: Obey pedestrian signals and use the pedestrian push button if available to activate the 'walk' signal.
• Watch for multiple lanes: Be cautious of vehicles in all lanes, as one car stopping doesn't guarantee others will.
• Avoid jaywalking: Jaywalking can be dangerous as drivers may not expect pedestrians to cross mid-block or in unmarked areas. Cross only at designated crosswalks or intersections.
• Motorists and pedestrians should establish eye contact with each other before anyone proceeds.
• Ensure visibility: Keep vehicle lights in good working condition and use headlights in snow and fog. Wearing bright reflective clothing when out after dark helps drivers spot pedestrians and cyclists.
• Adhere to speed limits at all times: Posted speed limits are designed for ideal weather and road conditions. Slow down and allow for extra time to get to your destination if needed.
• Avoid distracted behaviour: Pedestrians and motorists shouldn’t be using electronic devices or headphones when driving or crossing the road.
Road safety is the shared responsibility of everyone. Through our partnership with The City of Calgary, the Safer Mobility Plan was created with the vision of city-wide mobility free of serious injuries using a holistic safe system approach. While we know that collisions are inevitable, the Safer Mobility Plan is a way to help lessen the frequency and severity of traffic collisions.
This requires continued collaboration with community partners and road users, to ensure safe road design, safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe road users.