Recent Car Accidents Statistics in Alberta And What This Means for Albertans
Why Car Accident Cases are Rising in Alberta and What This Means for Albertans
Have you noticed more traffic lately? You’re not alone. Alberta’s roads are getting business, and unfortunately, that means more car accidents. According to the latest traffic collision statistics from the Government of Alberta, there were over 100,000 reported collisions in 2021 – that’s about 280 incidents every day. Let’s take a closer look at what’s causing this spike, and how it might affect you.
What’s Behind the Increase in Car Accidents in Alberta?
There are three main reasons why car accident claims are on the rise in Alberta:
1. Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence is a serious offence in Alberta. It occurs when a driver operates a car or other vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. In 2021, 2.1% of drivers involved in injury collisions were legally impaired by alcohol or drugs. This number jumps even higher to 7.6% in fatal collisions. Young male drivers, especially those aged 20-21, were found to be the most likely to be impaired. The harsher the accident, the more likely impairment was a factor.
2. Speeding
We all feel the need for speed sometimes, but it’s important to understand how dangerous speeding on the road can be. Driving over the speed limit played a role in 26.4% of fatal collisions in 2021, and 7.6% of injury collisions in the same year. These 955 speeding accidents resulted in 68 fatalities and 1,251 total injuries.
3. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is more than just using your phone behind the wheel. According to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, it can include:
- Texting or emailing
- Using electronic devices like laptops or gaming consoles
- Programming your GPS while driving
- Reading or writing
- Personal grooming, like applying makeup or shaving.
Using handheld devices is the leading cause of distracted driving incidents. It’s a significant contributor to collisions in Alberta, especially as the popularity of smart devices increases.
If you’re unsure about how the circumstances of your accident might play out under Alberta law, you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Contact our Alberta car accident lawyers today for advice about your incident today.
Where Are These Accidents Happening?
1. Urban vs. Rural Areas
While more accidents happen in urban areas due to higher volumes of traffic, rural roads tend to see more fatal crashes. Factors like higher speeds, poor lighting, and longer emergency response times make rural accidents more deadly. In 2021:
- 73.4% of fatal collisions occurred in rural areas
- 72.7% of non-fatal injury collisions happened in urban areas
2. Intersections – A Danger Zone
Intersections can be tricky, and potentially risky, spots. With multiple lanes, pedestrians, and cyclists, the likelihood of an accident happening can increase. In 2021:
- Over 26.6% of collisions were intersection-related in some way
- 5,989 people were injured, and 42 people were killed in these accidents
The top three mistakes leading to collisions at intersections in Alberta were:
- Making an unsafe left turn (11.5%)
- Ignoring stop signs (7.7%)
- Disobeying traffic signals (7.3%)
The Importance of Road Safety in Alberta
These statistics aren’t just numbers – they represent real people affected by road accidents. The rise in collisions and resulting injuries highlight the importance of staying vigilant on the road. Simple actions like keeping your eyes on the road, following speed limits, and avoiding distractions can make a huge difference in your safety.
While the Government of Alberta attempts to tackle this rise in car accidents across the province, all drivers must be proactive in ensuring their safety and the safety of others. By staying aware of recent statistics and the causes behind them, we can work together to create safer roads for everyone.
We’re Here to Help – Contact Our Alberta Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in Alberta, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress that come in the wake of an incident can take a serious toll on your life.
At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through. We’re committed to helping you understand your rights and explore options for financial compensation if you’re injured.
Contact our Calgary car accident lawyers today for a free initial consultation. We’ll discuss your situation with you and help you take the next steps towards getting the compensation you deserve. Let’s work together to get your life back on track.
