Boyle RCMP say Hwy 63 collisions down by one-third

Collisions down by one-third on 63

On August 7th and 8th, Boyle RCMP and the Boyle Integrated Traffic Unit conducted a High Visibility Enforcement Operation on Highway 63. During the course of the two day operation speed enforcement was conducted using aircraft and unmarked police vehicles. In addition to the speed enforcement, Check Stops were held in various locations along Highway 63.

This operation netted a total of 218 Provincial charges. Offences included speeding, driving while unauthorized, operating uninsured motor vehicles and equipment violations. Additionally, two suspended drivers were removed from the roadway and charged under the Criminal Code. One male received a 72 hour suspension for consuming alcohol while driving.

The use of aircraft in speed operations on Highway 63 has increased over the past year. Given the success of this operation it is anticipated that this technique will be utilized more frequently in the future. Alberta Sheriff Sergeant Mark Handley states, "It is our intention to increase the use of aircraft patrol on Highway 63 over the coming months. This is a safe and affective means of enforcing speed on this busy highway".

Highway 63 has been known for it's serious collisions and high volume of traffic. In an effort to combat these occurrences, RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs have increased their presence along the highway. As a result, collisions have dropped dramatically over the last year in the Boyle Detachment area (Highway 63 at Boyle to Highway 63 at Mariana Lake). During the first seven months of 2013, 321 collisions were reported compared to 203 in 2014.

"While weather plays a role in many collisions, other's are often preventable. Speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving have been determined as the cause of a number of collisions in recent months. These operations aim to bring these collision numbers down." says Sergeant Kevin McGillivray of the Boyle RCMP.