RCMP warn Alberta road deaths could hit 10-year high by end of 2026

RCMP warn Alberta road deaths could hit 10-year high by end of 2026

Published 11:14 am Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Alberta motorists are being asked to slow and make “smarter choices” by the Alberta RCMP as traffic fatalities surge.

According to a Sept. 15 release, as of Aug. 31, Alberta roads have recorded 192 fatalities since the start of the year. In the same period during 2025, the province recorded 144 fatalities.

“Behind these numbers are families, friends, and neighbours grieving the loss of someone they loved,” said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, of the Alberta RCMP traffic unit. “A few seconds of poor decision-making can have lifelong consequences. That’s why we’re asking every Albertan to stay focused and make safe choices on the road.”

The release notes that, based on historical trends, there are, on average, 82 traffic-related fatalities on Alberta roads between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, which could push the total fatalities to 274 by the end of the year.

Should fatalities reach 274, it would be the highest level recorded in Alberta since 2015. To date, every month except for June has recorded higher-than-average numbers.

According to the release, the RCMP is also noting increases in traffic-related injuries and high-risk activities behind the wheel.

Injury collisions have increased by 24 per cent since 2022. Additionally, officers have issued 570 tickets to drivers travelling 50 km/h or more over the speed limit since Jan. 1, the most issued since 2022.

Distracted driving has increased by 52 per cent, impaired driving has increased 15 per cent, driving with undue care and attention is up 14 per cent and intersection violations are up 13 per cent.

“Many of the behaviours contributing to serious collisions and fatalities are entirely preventable, including excessive speeding, distracted driving, and impaired operation,” the release said. “Every safe choice helps ensure drivers, riders, and passengers make it home to the people and communities that matter most.”

The release concludes, noting most fatalities are preventable and “safe roads require safe choices.”

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