The Alarming Truth on Calgary's Roads: Why Are We Seeing a Decade-High Spike in Collisions?

Honestly, when you look at the numbers, it’s quite stark. Calgary’s roads, in truth, saw an alarming surge in traffic collisions throughout 2023, marking a rather grim ten-year high. We’re not just talking about fender benders here, though those certainly make up a good chunk; we're talking about a significant, troubling rise in incidents that led to serious injuries and, heartbreakingly, fatalities.

Just think about it: last year, the city recorded a staggering 18,342 collisions. Compare that to 16,913 in 2022. That’s not a small jump, is it? And the human cost? Fatal collisions tragically climbed from 24 to 33, while injury-causing crashes swelled to 2,932 from 2,752 the previous year. You could say, perhaps, that these aren't just statistics; they're stories of lives irrevocably changed, or even worse, ended too soon.

So, what’s going on? Well, the Calgary Police Service, along with city officials, points a firm finger at some pretty familiar culprits. Distracted driving, naturally, is right up there. But let’s not forget impaired driving—still a persistent menace—speeding, and, yes, that all-too-common aggressive driving. It’s almost as if some drivers forget they’re sharing the road with real people, each with their own lives and destinations.

Sergeant Paul McGeisey of the CPS traffic unit summed it up quite well, I think, when he stressed the urgent need for a “cultural shift.” And honestly, he’s spot on. It’s not just about more enforcement, though that’s vital; it’s about a collective, fundamental change in how we, as drivers, approach our time behind the wheel. It really boils down to personal responsibility, doesn’t it?

The city, through its traffic safety coordinator Tony Churchill, echoes this sentiment, reminding us that while police will certainly continue to be vigilant on the enforcement side of things, education is also a massive piece of this complex puzzle. It’s about making smart, safe choices, every single time we get into a car. It seems simple, yet, evidently, it’s a challenge for many.

Where are these incidents happening most, you ask? Unsurprisingly, intersections account for nearly half—a striking 44 percent—of all collisions. And certain stretches of asphalt, like Deerfoot Trail, Macleod Trail, Stoney Trail, and 16 Avenue N, consistently emerge as hotbeds for these unfortunate events. Perhaps it's the sheer volume of traffic, or maybe, just maybe, it’s a confluence of all those bad driving habits coalescing in one spot.

But let’s not forget those who are most vulnerable on our streets: pedestrians and cyclists. In 2023, a truly grim figure emerged with 10 pedestrians losing their lives, up from six the year prior. It’s a stark, painful reminder that driving isn’t just about protecting yourself in your metal cocoon; it’s about being acutely aware of everyone else around you, particularly those on foot or two wheels.

Ultimately, this isn’t just about avoiding a ticket, or even an insurance claim. This is about making Calgary’s streets safer for everyone—for our kids, our neighbours, our friends, and yes, for ourselves. It demands a moment of reflection from each of us, a conscious decision to slow down, pay attention, and simply drive with a little more care and consideration. Because, in the end, it really could save a life, maybe even your own.