Calgary's Traffic Deaths Surge: Drive to Zero Campaign

0:00Calgary is facing a sharp rise in traffic deaths this year, with officials warning that numbers could hit a new record high. So far, there have been 5,164 collisions, leaving 8 people dead, including 3 pedestrians. That's the most fatalities in 10 years, and double with the city saw at this point last year. To tackle this, police and city leaders launched the Drive to Zero campaign late last year. It features a three-part video series that highlights one preventable crash from different viewpoints aiming to drive home the message that these, tragedies don't have to happen. Staff Sergeant Andy Woodward from the Traffic Unit stresses that everyone shares responsibility for road safety. He points out speeding and distracted driving as the top issues right now, urging drivers to stay alert instead of being passive behind the wheel. The campaign's third and final video dropped on Thursday, featuring a funeral director reflecting on the aftermath of such a loss. It's part of a push to make residents rethink their habits before it's too late.

1:01With fatalities still climbing, authorities hope these stark reminders will spark real change on Calgary streets and bring those numbers down. That's your update from Canada News today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.