EDMONTON (Aug. 10, 1999) — The number of fatalities in collisions involving heavy trucks in Alberta decreased sharply in 1998 to 57 compared to 86 the year before, according to statistics released yesterday by the provincial Dept. of Infrastructure.

While truckers showed improvement, the overall number of traffic deaths reported remained unchanged at 429, and the total number of collisions actually increased 6.8%, to 98,601 from 92,365 in 1997.

More than 89% of the fatal crashes were caused by driver error. Following too close, a left turn across the path of an oncoming vehicle, and running off the road have been the top three reported factors that contributed to casualty collisions.

Nearly 6% of drivers involved in injury crashes were drinking prior to the collision, compared to 22.6% of drivers involved in fatal collisions.

People using seat-belts were injured in 14.4% of collisions, as compared to those not using seat-belts at 36.1%.

There are also more vehicles on Alberta’s roads. Traffic levels on Alberta primary highways increased by 3.9% from 1997 to 1998. Overall traffic has experienced an average growth of 2% per year since 1962.

Alberta’s new Traffic Safety Act includes administrative licence suspensions to allow police to seize the licence of drivers charged with drinking, and graduated licensing for new drivers, which will provide for more supervision and will impose conditions such as zero tolerance for alcohol while new drivers gain experience.

Copies of the 1998 Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics Report can be obtained at Alberta Infrastructure, Driver Safety And Research, Main Floor, Twin Atria Building, 4999-98 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3; 780/427-8901.