RCMP Media Releases
Fort McMurray, Alberta 2011-11-07
November is Pedestrian Safety Month
With the changing weather and reduced number of daylight hours the concern for pedestrian safety increases. During the month of November Wood Buffalo RCMP will be extra vigilant that users of the roadways conduct themselves in such a manner to support the safety of pedestrians. The following are some recommended safety tips:
For drivers:
• When approaching an intersection or crosswalk be alert for pedestrians.
• Watch for vehicles stopped or slowing in the lane next to yours. They may be yielding to a pedestrian.
• Stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school and playground zones.
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $575 plus 4 demerit points.
For pedestrians:
• POINT, PAUSE, and PROCEED. Be alert at intersections and always look out for danger when crossing the street.
• Always use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals when they are available and cross only at intersections if they are not.
• Never jaywalk. Drivers are not anticipating pedestrians crossing in the middle of the street so they may not have enough time to avoid hitting you.
• Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.
• Be seen! Wear bright coloured or reflective clothing especially when walking in low light or poor weather conditions.
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk off the road, facing traffic, staying
as far away from the vehicles as possible.
• If you are impaired, seek assistance and alternative transportation. Alcohol is often a factor in serious pedestrian collisions. On average over one-third of pedestrians in fatal crashes and 15 per cent in injury crashes had consumed alcohol prior to the collision.
• Pay attention! Remove headphones; put away cell phones or other electronic devices when crossing the street.
• Abide by traffic signs and signals. They are in place to protect your safety.
Both drivers and pedestrians are responsible for safety. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, but pedestrians also have the responsibility to cross safely. From 2005 to 2009, on average each year in Alberta, more than 40 pedestrians were killed and over 1250 were injured.
Questions about pedestrian safety can be directed to the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788-4000 or residents can obtain additional information on the Saferoads - Traffic Safety in Alberta website at: http://www.saferoads.com/drivers/tips_pedsafety.html.
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Please be advised that this account is not monitored for inquiries or follow-up questions. Enquiries or questions should be directed to the designated media contact as indicated at the bottom of each news release.
Media Contact:
Cst. Christina WILKINS
Media Relations - Community Policing
Wood Buffalo RCMP
Tel: (780) 788-4238
Cell: (780) 713-7687
christina.wilkins@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Fort McMurray, Alberta 2011-11-02
Fatal Collision on Prairie Loop Blvd.
Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to the scene of a motor vehicle collision shortly before 3:00 am on November 2, 2011. A single vehicle had rolled over on Prairie Loop Boulevard crashing through a guard rail and coming to rest at the bottom of a steep embankment between Tolen Drive and Mills Avenue. All three occupants of the vehicle, a Chevrolet pick-up truck, were ejected as a result of the collision. A 28 year-old Fort McMurray male was pronounced dead on scene, and two other males, also from the Fort McMurray area were transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
As of 7:00 am this morning the condition of the other two victims was classified as critical. A 40 year-old male has been air-lifted to the University of Alberta Hospital, and a 25 year-old male has been air-lifted to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, both in Edmonton for further treatment.
The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin. The investigation continues, however preliminary reports indicate that alcohol and speed may have been a factor in the collision.
If you have information about this, or any other crime(s), please call the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788-4000, or if you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca] for instructions on how to do). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Please be advised that this account is not monitored for inquiries or follow-up questions. Enquiries or questions should be directed to the designated media contact as indicated at the bottom of each news release.
Media Contact:
Cst. Christina WILKINS
Media Relations - Community Policing
Wood Buffalo RCMP
Tel: (780) 788-4238
Cell: (780) 713-7687
christina.wilkins@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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