Calgary Confronts Decade-High Fatal Crashes Amid Provincial Speed Limit Discussions

Calgary Confronts Soaring Traffic Fatalities

Calgary is grappling with a concerning surge in road fatalities, registering 32 deadly collisions by mid-November—a stark 10-year high for the city. This grim statistic fuels public anxiety, particularly as 12 of these crashes, approximately 40%, were directly attributed to excessive speed. Further compounding the tragedy, vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists accounted for roughly 65% of these fatalities, underscoring a critical safety challenge on local streets.

Clarifying Speed Limit Discussions

Amidst these sobering figures, a social media conversation questions provincial intentions, suggesting speed limits are rising while crashes peak. However, the Alberta government's proposal to increase speed limits applies specifically to some rural divided highways, moving from 110 km/h to 120 km/h. Crucially, Calgary's urban roadways, including Deerfoot Trail and city ring roads, are explicitly excluded from this proposed change. Police and city officials continue to urge drivers to prioritize safety by slowing down, remaining sober, and eliminating distractions.