Grande Prairie RCMP and the City of Grande Prairie Enforcement Servicest partners, in support of the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan and Road Safety Vision 2010, will be involved in a joint effort to reduce the harm that results from motorcycle collisions. In addition, the RCMP & GPES aims to increase awareness of positive aspects of this sport in Grande Prairie. A speed enforcement campaign will also be a focus from June 26 to July 1, combining the efforts of the RCMP Traffic Services in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

This enforcement-driven initiative is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving practices and ultimately, to save lives. Part of the activities will involve targeted enforcement in the areas of motorcycle safety, speed, impaired driving (alcohol/ drugs/ fatigue), and all aspects of aggressive driving for all users - drivers, riders and even pedestrians. In addition, the RCMP is implementing an education campaign to address the importance of safe driver behavior.  “We also want to raise the public's awareness about how they can improve safety on our roadways and we want to make road users aware of common behaviors that reduce road safety,” says (Cpl. Troy SWITZER NCO i/c Grande Prairie Municipal Traffic)

The summer months and warm weather mean an increase in the number of motorcycles on Grande Prairie roads. The RCMP  & GPES want to stress the importance of sharing the road and using smart traffic safety habits to maximize the safety of Albertans.  Although speed and alcohol are often the root causes behind motorcycle collisions, rider inexperience is also a factor.  It is imperative that new riders develop their skills in safe motorcycle operation. This includes participating in driver training courses, purchasing bikes suitable to their skill level and wearing approved safety equipment.

A motorcyclist’s relationship with the road has more to do with the journey than the destination. Freedom is part of the motorcycle experience but along with that freedom comes a higher risk. 

Motorcyclists often don’t have the same distractions as drivers in a car (cup holders, cell phones, CD players, computer plug-ins, etc) but they still need to be aware that the drivers around them might have their minds focused on other things.
 
The we are asking drivers to be aware of motorcyclists out on the road and to be aware of the space motorcyclists need to maintain their safety on the road.  “Look twice for motorcyclists when approaching intersections or changing lanes and never underestimate the speed of a bike,” says (Cpl. Troy SWITZER NCO i/c Grande Prairie Municipal Traffic)
 “Failure to yield the right of way is a leading cause of motorcycle/ vehicle collisions.”

Grande Prairie RCMP & GPES also want to remind motorcyclists that when they head out on the road, they represent thousands of people who love to ride.  Motorcyclists are encouraged to ride defensively and make every effort to enhance their visibility.  Be alert at intersections and make eye contact with drivers before proceeding.  Stay aware of what’s going on behind you because a rear-end crash can be deadly.  Position yourself to be seen and stay out of drivers’ blind spots. Realize that your speed is often misjudged by drivers.
  
Every year, we respond to many collisions in Grande Prairie in which there is unnecessary injury and tragic loss of life.  By increasing our public education efforts, the we aim to make Grande Prairie’s roadways safer for everyone.

For more information, please contact:

Ciyt of Grande Prairie

Enforcement Services

Ph. 780-830-5790

Grande Prairie RCMP

Ph. 780-830-5781