Vehicle and road safety

Did you know? 

• The driver must ensure children under the age of 16 are properly restrained
• Children under the age of 6 who weigh 40 lbs or less must be in a child safety seat
• Always check the car seat manufacturer guidelines to see the maximum weight and height limits for your seat

Learn more on car seat safety

Divers must exercise extra caution when travelling through areas in close proximity to schools or playgrounds. 

• Follow the posted speed limits around schools. School zones are in effect from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and playground zones are in effect from 8:30 a.m. until one hour after sunset.
• Always stop for buses. Never pass a stopped school bus when the lights are flashing.
• Follow your school's recommended practices when picking up and dropping off students.
• Always park your vehicle before allowing students to jump out. 
• Make a habit of crossing at the designated crosswalk instead of jaywalking. 
• Don't park on crosswalks, bus stops, blocking driveways or against marked signage.

Stay focused behind the wheel

Alberta’s distracted driving law applies to all roads and all vehicles. How many times have you sent a quick text when stopped at a red light? That’s a $300 fine and three demerits.

Enforcement Officers can use discretion in laying charges if you are engaging in other activities while driving that impair you ability to drive safety. Any of the following apply to the distracted driving law. This includes while stopped at red lights.

• Using hand held cell phones
• Using any electronic device (i.e. camera)
• Entering information on GPS/Navigation units
• Reading or writing
• Personal grooming

Know the distracted driving law

It is important to remember your neighbours when parking your recreational vehicles (RVs) in Airdrie's neighbourhoods.

We want to remind RV owners of the following City of Airdrie parking regulations:

• A vehicle cannot be parked on the side of a roadway for more than 72 consecutive hours as per the Traffic Bylaw.
• Parked vehicles can't  block driveways. This means vehicles can't park within 1.5 metres of a driveway. 
• Vehicles can't park within five metres of intersections or fire hydrants.
• A vehicle must be attached to a trailer at all times.  If together the truck and trailer measure longer than nine metres, they can only park on the street for loading and unloading purposes - no longer than 24 hours. Truck and trailers together, measuring under nine metres can park on the street no longer than 72 hours.
• Park your vehicle as close to curb as possible (30 centimetres). Keep in mind that trailers must not extend over the sidewalk or pathway.
• Parking in an alley is allocated for loading and unloading purposes only – 15 minute limit for passenger vehicles and 30 minute limit for commercial and recreational vehicles. 

• Have you become complacent when entering an intersection? Bad habits can develop as we hurry through our daily lives, but forgetting about basic safety can cost you more than time. These busy, high-traffic areas can easily become a source of injuries or fatalities if not accessed safely.

Exercise caution when approaching an intersection.

• Always look before proceeding through an intersection, watching for other drivers and pedestrians.
• Ensure it is safe to turn left before doing so.
• Obey traffic signs and signals. In particular, fully stop at red lights and stop signs.
• At three and four-way stops, the vehicle that arrived first should proceed first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right should proceed first.
• Leave ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
• Be prepared for the unexpected — pedestrians, changing lights, slippery road conditions, or even other drivers.
• Pedestrians, make eye contact with drivers ensuring you are seen. Extending your arm and pointing in the direction you wish to proceed shows drivers that you intend to enter a crosswalk.  

TOUCH UP ON YOUR INTERSECTION RULES

It's important to remember that everyone in a car needs to be buckled up. In the event of a crash an unrestrained body could be catapulted in various directions causing fatal injuries to other vehicle occupants. Next time you’re in a vehicle remind those travelling with you to buckle up too.

• Seatbelts must be worn at all times by all occupants before putting the vehicle in motion.
• Ensure the lap belt is positioned low across your hips and the should belt is always sitting across the centre of your chest
• Drivers are responsible for ensuring both themselves and passengers under the age of 16 are using proper restraints.

Learn seatbelt law information

 It is important to know the local speed limits where you travel. In Airdrie the residential area speed limit is 30km/hr and the main roads such as Yankee Valley, Veterans, 8 Street and 24 Street are 60km/hr. 

Remember to take extra care when driving by construction workers and emergency responders — speed fines double. 

Learn about Alberta speed fines

Slow down when driving on winter roads. Check the road conditions before you travel. 

Current Alberta Road Conditions

Our municipal officers select a day and location for offering complementary, vehicle safety checks to anyone that stops by. Their goal is accident prevention through public engagement.

This is a proactive opportunity, meant to emphasize education and awareness rather than enforcement. Officers will offer advice instead of tickets for safety deficiencies discovered during the vehicle inspections.