Victoria Day Weekend: Six Deaths, 122 Impaired Drivers

Alberta RCMP reported six deaths and 25 injuries in vehicle collisions over the Victoria Day long weekend (May 15–18), along with a major traffic enforcement crackdown that removed 122 impaired drivers from roads across the province.

Of those impaired drivers, 71 received immediate roadside fail sanctions (immediate licence suspensions and vehicle impounds), while 37 received warning sanctions. More than 1,200 traffic tickets were issued overall—over 1,100 for speeding alone.

The fatality toll underscores how quickly road safety deteriorates on long weekends when traffic volume spikes and enforcement ramps up. RCMP indicated they'll continue enhanced enforcement on future long weekends.

For Calgary residents planning their own weekend trips, the numbers are a sobering reminder: long weekends see more traffic, more impaired driving, and more collisions. Plan ahead, don't drive impaired, and assume enforcement will be visible.