Calgary at a 10-year high for fatal crashes: police

The Calgary Police Service attends a crime scene in Calgary on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Calgary has recorded 32 fatal collsions in 2025 so far; the largest number of deaths in the past 10 years.

The grim number comes one day after World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

“Each one of these fatal collisions represents a loved one who did not come home,” said Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward of the CPS traffic unit.

“Every year, we see too many families devastated by fatal and injury collisions. Some lose loved ones forever, while others face injuries that can leave physical and emotional scars. We continue to urge everyone on Calgary roads to make safe choices: slow down, stay sober and limit any distractions that may take your focus away from the road.”

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Police say of the 32 fatal collisions, 12 involved speeding and at least three were hit-and-runs.

Four incidents involved drugs or alcohol, but police note that number could rise as toxicology tests are processed.

The remaining 20 involved a “vulnerable road user,” which police describe as a pedestrian, motorcyclist or cyclist.

“One death on our roads is too many,” said Pat Grisak, senior leader of traffic management at the City of Calgary.

“These figures are not just stats or data - they represent real people with families and friends who care about them and depend on them making it home safely. Engineering efforts by the City and enforcement by CPS and the traffic safety team are just part of the solution, but they are not the whole equation.

“Pedestrians and motorists need to make better choices. We all need to slow down, be patient, stay off our phones, drive to the conditions and most of all, be courteous. We are not looking out for one another out there, and it must change.”

There have been another 2,500 collisions resulting in injuries to drivers, passengers, and vulnerable road users.

Police say drivers can help reduce collisions by following these guidelines:

• obey all traffic signs and signals;
• establish eye contact with pedestrians;
• if proceeding through an intersection or turning right on a red light, always look both ways for pedestrians and other vehicles before proceeding;
• adhere to speed limits at all times, and remember that speed limits are designed for ideal weather and road conditions. Slow down if road conditions call for it;
• avoid distractions: put electronic devices away when driving; and
• never drive impaired. Call a taxi, a sober friend or a rideshare service if you are going to drink or consume cannabis.

They say pedestrians should keep these tips in mind:

• obey all pedestrian signals and do not cross against the signal;
• use designated crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before proceeding;
• look both ways before crossing the street;
• be mindful of vehicles in all lanes, as one car stopping doesn’t guarantee others will;
• consider wearing bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility; and
• avoid distractions: limit the use of electronic devices or headphones when walking.

There is more information on the Drive to Zero campaign at calgary.ca/visionzero.