Over the last year, collisions in the Athabasca area have almost doubled: from 35 this time last year to 66 this year.
Despite the increase, there were no fatalities, Athabasca RCMP Sgt. Brian Scott told town council last Tuesday.
He mentioned the harsh winter could have played a role in this increase; however, speed was often a factor.
“I can’t blame it all on the roads and weather conditions,” Scott said.
Scott highlighted some of the work the Athabasca detachment has been involved in over the past year in a report to council.
In total, the traffic section of the Athabasca RCMP laid 2,390 charges in the last year. Distracted driving charges accounted for 293. According to Scott, 90 per cent of the distracted driving infractions occurred within town limits.
Scott also reported the Athabasca detachment will be receiving a new officer this week.
