Safe driving requires focus, patience, and ongoing practice, says Alberta RCMP, as it issues a reminder to all drivers, especially those who are new behind the wheel.
August is New Driver Safety Month, and safety starts with awareness and good habits.
Statistics show that drivers in their first two years are much more likely to be involved in preventable collisions compared to seasoned drivers. That’s why Alberta’s Graduated Driver’s Licence program is so important — it helps new drivers build their skills gradually, in a safer, more controlled environment, notes the RCMP.
For young drivers, here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
- Stay focused — no texting, scrolling, or fiddling with your GPS
- Keep a safe distance — give yourself time to react
- Obey speed limits and adjust to road conditions
Distracted driving is a major concern, shares the RCMP, noting that it contributes to 20 to 30 percent of all collisions in Alberta. Even a quick glance at your phone can have serious consequences.
As a new driver, you are still learning, and we all share the responsibility of keeping Alberta’s roads safe. So, let’s practice patience, give each other space, and stay alert, reminds Alberta RCMP.
Quick facts
- New drivers include those with learner’s permits and graduated driver’s licences
- One in five new drivers is involved in a collision during their first two years of driving
- Between 2018 and 2022 in Alberta, 140 young drivers and motorcyclists (aged 14-24) died and 1,338 had a major injury in collisions
- Although young drivers represented 13.2 per cent of the province’s licensed drivers in 2022, they account for 16.7 per cent of the drivers involved in major-injury and fatal collisions
