Stampede is wrapping up in Calgary, which has seen its usual combination of sun, hail, and increased traffic infractions from July 3rd to 12th. Although the Stampede is based in Calgary, the whole province experiences a temporary increase in traffic density during this time of year. The influx of tourists navigating through downtown streets and major highways is a sure cause for impatient driving and unnecessary speeding, as is heavy pedestrian traffic in the intersections. Last Tuesday, Edmonton police issued 2,808 traffic tickets over a 24-hour period. 2,527 of these tickets were speeding-related, and the rest were additional violations including seatbelt infractions, impaired driving, distracted driving, traffic safety violations, and Criminal Code violations.
In Calgary, police are following through on their promise to increase the number of check stops located around the city during Stampede, and have invested in two new check stop trucks with enhanced technology. Last year, 46 cowboys and cowgirls were charged with impaired driving-related offences over the 10 days of Stampede. Staff Sgt. Paul Stacey expressed his disappointment in the persistently high number of impaired-driving incidents. “The message has been put out for years and years and it’s just so socially unacceptable these days”, he said. The subsequent crackdown on impaired driving means that there is no sympathy for those who get caught.
The police are encouraging Stampede-goers to make alternate transportation plans before joining the deep-fried and beer-sodden revelry. When people make plans in advance, there is a far greater chance they will stick to them later that evening. Besides taking care of your own transportation plans, it’s important to ensure that your friends and family members have a safe way to get home as well. In the meantime, keep an eye out for inebriated drivers and immediately call 911 to inform the police if you suspect a driver of being impaired.
It is worth noting that as of May 1, 2015, payments for speeding and other traffic violations increased by 35% in Alberta. General speeding fines prior to May 1st ranged from $57.00 to $351.00. They now start at $78.00 and can go up to $474.00. Fines issued for speeding through construction zones (they are thick on the ground in Calgary) were between $115.00 and $703.00 prior to May 1st. These charges now range between $156.00 and $949.00. For more information on other traffic violation fine increases, see
CTV News.
What if you have been issued a traffic ticket during the Stampede? X-Copper can help! We highly recommend that you contact us immediately so that we can help you fight your charges. Our consultation is free! You also have the option of texting your ticket to X-Copper staff for a free consultation. It is then up to you whether to hire X-Copper to fight your traffic charge.
Have a safe and enjoyable Stampede!
