There are literally hundreds of stakeholders involved in traffic safety in Alberta. Their efforts are channelled through some of the many groups, listed below, who are working to make Alberta roads safer for all of us.

Aboriginal Relations

LINK:  www.aboriginal.alberta.ca

Alberta Injury Control Alliance
 

 Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research

ACICR helps focus attention on Alberta's largest injury issues including motor vehicle collisions, through partnerships like Mission Possible, Think and Drive, and the Alberta Occupant Restraint Program. ACICR is funded by Alberta Health and Wellness, and is part of the Department of Public Health Sciences in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta.

LINK: www.acicr.ualberta.ca

 Alberta Education

LINK: www.education.alberta.ca

  Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC)


 

The AGLC also works to prevent impaired driving, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and underage drinking through partnerships with AADAC, other government ministries and the liquor industry.

 Alberta Health and Wellness

LINK: www.health.gov.ab.ca

The Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association

The Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association has more than 700 corporate members, representing approximately 50,000 direct employees ($1.8 billion payroll).

The Association represents contractors who work on the construction and rehabilitation of highways, municipal roads, bridges, sewer, and water projects, as well as the suppliers (such as equipment dealers, finance companies, aggregate suppliers, law firms, etc.), and consulting engineers who work with them.

ARHCA member companies can also be found constructing streets, curbs and gutters, sewer and water systems, and other infrastructure for residential, commercial, oilfield, tar sands and forestry projects.

LINK: www.arhca.ab.ca

Alberta Transportation - Office of Traffic Safety

The Alberta Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is providing an umbrella to coordinate and deliver results-oriented programs that address traffic safety, province-wide. The OTS encourages Albertans to make positive choices about their driving behaviours. The Initiative focuses on motorist, commercial vehicle, snowmobile, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian safety issues, in addition to many other concerns.

The OTS helps community groups and other partners act together to achieve greater road safety in our province. For over three years, the OTS has worked with a variety of concerned individuals and organizations. Together, these groups are striving to achieve maximum road safety by targeting their resources toward and ongoing, all-inclusive traffic safety program. They create and deliver programs which target four key goals:

1. Information/Awareness
2. Education
3. Standards
4. Enforcement

The OTS recognizes that children are often the most vulnerable and tragic victims of either driver error or their own errors. To reduce this risk, the Initiative continues to develop programs like Walk the Talk About Back to School Safety. These educational programs, provide educators with the materials they need to prepare children with safety tools and encourage positive practices that will allow them to thrive safely in our highly mobile environment.

LINK: www.saferoads.com

 Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security

Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security provides safe communities by ensuring effective policing throughout the province, supporting community involvement in crime prevention, and providing effective and efficient correctional services for adults and youth. The Ministry also supports victims of crime, and includes ministry support services.

The following two divisions carry out the Ministry’s operations:

Public Security– responsible for policing, crime prevention, community awareness, sheriffs and victims services.

Correctional Services– responsible for adult centre operations, community corrections and release programs, young offenders and youth justice committees.

The Ministry also includes the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, the Law Enforcement Review Board, the Victims of Crime Programs Committee, the Criminal Injuries Review Board and the Horse Racing Appeal Tribunal.

Link: www.solgps.alberta.ca




Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol

The Solicitor General and Public Security Ministry created the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol in 2006 to help improve traffic safety in the province. There are now 105 traffic sheriffs patrolling our highways to make the roads and highways safer for all Albertans.

Traffic sheriffs work with other enforcement agencies, such as RCMP, local police services and Fish and Wildlife officers. They often perform joint enforcement operations with these agencies, such as the Enhanced Alberta Checkstop Program (EACP). Sheriffs also partner with the Office of Traffic Safety at Alberta Transportation, and work to meet the goals of Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan with enforcement activities coordinated to the Provincial Enforcement Calendar.

Link: www.solgps.alberta.ca

Alberta Motor Association (AMA)

AMA believes that traffic collisions, deaths and injuries in Alberta are unacceptable and preventable.

Working to improve safety on our roads, AMA partners with organizations and communities in a common goal to reduce traffic deaths and injuries. Innovative programs such as the Alberta Impaired Driving Program, AMA School Safety Patrol, AMA Road Reports, Workplace Driving Safety and initiatives focusing on making our aging driver population safer, all recognize the complex interaction between the road user, the vehicle and the driving environment.

AMA is committed to advancing traffic safety research and through a partnership with the University of Calgary has established the AMA Chair in Road Safety Research to promote innovation and new research into traffic safety. This commitment to research is further supported through the AMA Foundation for Traffic Safety Research.

LINK: ama.ab.ca

Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA)
 

The Board of Directors of the Association consists of thirteen members, 6 regional directors, 4 directors at large, plus the president elect, president and the past president.

A number of advisory boards and committees report to the board on issues of concern such as Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, Injury Reduction and Training and Member Services. The new structure has given the AMTA a strong focus and sense of direction.

Our focus is to drive value back to the membership, whether it is representing the industry’s interests with various levels of government or through programs and courses designed to improve our members’ businesses. A good example is the Transportation Safety Basics Course which prepares an employer for a Certificate of Recognition (COR) Audit to receive a 5% reduction in their WCB premiums. Passing the COR audit and with an appropriate experience rating can yield a 20% reduction in WCB premiums. It can have a definite impact on a company’s bottom line.

Government departments, at all levels, continue to administer regulatory requirements and operating conditions on the trucking industry. These requirements affect every aspect of trucking operations and AMTA is the resource to our members on a wide and dynamic range of issues, both as the provider of training materials and as an effective lobby group.

We are the train the trainer source for industry related programs and the provider of materials used to retrain. We are the Alberta reseller of all CTA materials. Business and technical seminars are also organized on a periodic basis to keep your company abreast of the dynamic environments in which the trucking industry operates.

AMTA members participate in monthly meetings in six regions in Alberta that provide a forum for discussion on industry related issues and an opportunity to liaise with others in the same and related industries. Through these meetings and other events held throughout the year, AMTA provides opportunities for members to meet regularly. Not only are the association functions meant as a social event, they allow members to network, which pays business dividends down the road.

Participation is what drives an organization and every member is encouraged to take advantage of the services of the association.

The AMTA web site, which can be found at www.amta.ca is one of the most informative and popular sites in the trucking industry. The primary focus of the website is to promote the services of both carrier and associate trade members to the worldwide customer marketplace.

For more information on the services of the AMTA please call toll free: 1-800-267-1003.

In Calgary,
Phone: 403-243-4161 - Fax 403-243-4610
Mailing Address: 3660 Blackfoot Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 4E6
In Edmonton,
Phone: 780-448-7456 - Fax: 780-448-0744
245, 17010 – 103 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5S 1K7

LINK: www.amta.ca

Alberta Safety Council (ASC)

LINK: www.safetycouncil.ab.ca

Alberta School Bus Contractors Association (ABSCA)

The most significant achievements of the ABSCA have come as a result of its lobbying the Government in areas of funding, licensing and higher standards for both drivers and vehicles. The ABSCA is a member of the Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council and has six members sitting on that Council.

Contact: Scott Hucal, President
Phone 780-468-6771 Fax: 780-465-0685
E-Mail scott@diversified.pwt.ca

Alberta Snowmobile Safety Association (A.S.A.)

ASA Mission Statement
The Alberta Snowmobile Association is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member snowmobile clubs to establish and maintain quality snowmobile trails, which are to be used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to further the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling

ASA Safety Policy
The ASA is committed to promoting safe, responsible snowmobiling in Alberta by continuously improving safety standards and delivering safety programs through proactive leadership, stakeholder partnerships, public education, driver training and trail enhancement.

ASA Environment Policy
The ASA is committed to a leadership role in the environmentally responsible development and use of Alberta snowmobile trails by working with the stakeholders through a sustained program of dedicated funding, research, public education and innovative special projects. Three of the ASA’s most prominent programs are:

Sled Smart Snowmobile Safety Awareness Campaign
The focus of the Sled Smart Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Campaign is to raise awareness of safe and environmentally responsible snowmobile operation targeting rural Alberta students in grades seven to nine.

Snowmobile Safety Week
All snowmobile associations, clubs, affiliates, government administrators and enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in the "Safe Riders! You make snowmobiling safe" campaign. A week in mid January, annually, is celebrated internationally throughout the snowmobile community.

Trail Enhancement Program
The Alberta Snowmobile Association operate, maintain and promote Alberta’s snowmobile trail network, including the border-to-border Trans Canadian Snowmobile Trail System. Safer trails – it’s a proven fact that improved and signed trails are the safest place to ride a snowmobile day or night including those new areas that you are not familiar with. Organized Trails lead to granted permission resulting in legal riding and less trespassing.
For further information contact the Alberta Snowmobile Association:
Phone: 780-427-2695, Fax: 780-415-1779

LINK: www.altasnowmobile.ab.ca

Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council (ASTAC)

Formed in January of 1993, the Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council (ASTAC) has members from both the Alberta School Bus Contractors Association and the Student Transportation Association of Alberta. Since its inception, the ASTAC has taken a leadership role in the promotion of student transportation safety in Alberta.

Three of their most prominent programs are:

• School Bus Safety Week
• "S" Endorsement Program - a school bus driver improvement program that consists of a series of training modules, a written exam, pre-trip inspection and on-road evaluation.
• School Bus Convention - a yearly event help to promote school bus safety through workshops, panel discussion and guest speakers.

Contact: Scott Hutscal
Phone 403-342-6390
E-mail: scott@prairie.pwt.ca

Calgary Police Service– Traffic Education Unit

The primary function of the Traffic Education Unit of the Calgary Police Service is to address "Traffic Safety Issues" within the school systems and the community at large. The goal is to develop an awareness and education program to enhance understanding and alter public attitudes about traffic safety. Through this program, they hope to significantly reduce injuries and deaths from motor vehicle collisions. These education traffic safety programs will be targeted towards specific age groups, and delivered through educational institutions, community groups and corporations, as well as through other members of the Calgary Police Service.

LINK: www.calgarypolice.ca

City of Calgary Roads
 

LINK: www.calgary.ca/roads

Canadian National

CN Police duties include promoting safety in railway yards, along right of ways and at crossings. CN Police conduct these activities through education in communities at schools, in malls, at fairs etc. and through the print and voice media. CN Police also use enforcement as a tool to deter unsafe driving habits at railway crossings.

CN Police promotes Railway Safety as a partner with Operation Lifesaver. Anyone interested in a Safety presentation for their community or group can call 1-800-456-9239.

LINK: www.cn.ca

Coalition for Cellphone-Free Driving

The Coalition for Cellphone-Free Driving is a group of companies and organizations who are committed to reducing cellphone use while driving. The Coalition was formed in 2005 by a group of graduate students at the University of Alberta and is led by Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, based in Alberta.

The Coalition is supported by the Alberta Public Health Association and the University of Alberta. The University’s School of Public Health is the administrative host for the Coalition.

LINK: www.cellphonefreedriving.ca

Edmonton Police Service

The following are traffic safety programs the Edmonton Police Service are presently involved in many special projects including:

• School Patrol Program
• Parent Parking Patrol
• SHAPE (Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere)
• Walk the Talk About Back to School Safety
• Think Think Again Child Restraint Program
• AORP (Alberta Occupant Restraint Program)
• Displays
• Presentations

LINK: www.police.edmonton.ab.ca

Edmonton Transportation

* Curb the Danger-Working with the Edmonton Police Service
* Point, Pause and Proceed Crossing Program - In conjunction with the Edmonton Safety Council
* Parent Parking Patrol Program - In conjunction with the Edmonton Police Service
* Fatality Sign Awareness Program
* Residential Speed Awareness Program
* High Collision Location Awareness Program
* "Really" Traffic Awareness Sign Program - In conjunction with the City of St. Albert and the County of Strathcona
* Working with the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues to address the issue of speed related concerns by delivery these programs:
  - Pace Car Program
  - Speed Watch Program
  - Speed Boards
  - Community Vans

For additional information on any of these traffic safety programs please contact the City of Edmonton Transportation Department at (780) 496 - 3095

LINK: City of Edmonton Transportation Site

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is a division of the Insurance Council of Canada (ICC), the national trade association representing private property and casualty insurance companies operating in Canada, and acts as a liaison for the industry in its dealings with governments, the media, other industry stakeholders and insurance consumers. Over 80% of the home, car and business insurance provided to Canadians by private insurers is written by ICC/IBC member companies.

Automobile insurance is the most commonly sold property and casualty insurance product, and IBC members know first hand about the tragic toll that our roadways exact each and every day, not only economically but in lives as well. IBC is a participant in Mission Possible, Collision Prevention Week, the Alberta Traffic Safety Foundation and numerous other groups and partnerships working towards a safer driving environment in Alberta. IBC is committed to working with Albertans to achieve meaningful reduction in the number and cost of collisions, deaths and injuries.

LINK: www.ibc.ca

 KIDSAFE Alberta

LINK: www.capitalhealth.ca/kidsafe

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

P.A.R.T.Y. Program

For more information contact Leona Liski, coordinator P.A.R.T.Y. Secretariat at 403-241-5151, fax 403-241-3383 or email partyprogram@ezpost.com

LINK: www.partyprogram.com

 Professional Driver Educators' Association of Alberta

The Professional Driver Educators Association of Alberta is committed to reducing collisions and fatalities by developing and maintaining the highest standard of Driver Education.

Their goal is to increase public awareness of the maximal standards of traffic-safety and driver education and also work with other associations and government agencies who are also committed to traffic safety. In order to achieve this they offer upgrading to schools and instructors.

Contact: Randy Flemmer, President
Phone: 403-283-0077 Fax: 403-245-6476

LINK: www.drivereducatorsofalberta.com

RCMP "K" Division

LINK: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

SADD Alberta

SADD Alberta’s goals are to:

• Reduce impaired driving within Alberta by:
  1. Educating high school students on the perils of impaired driving.
  2. Providing leadership conferences and camps so that the SADD students and advisors of each Alberta SADD chapter can share ideas on preventing impaired driving within their community.
  3. Encouraging SADD Alberta chapters to promote not drinking and driving within their school and the community.
  4. Providing alternatives to students on what to do when they encounter a person who has been drinking and wishes to drive.
• Forge partnerships with municipalities, provincial and federal governments, schools, and businesses to reduce impaired driving.
• Empower, educate and inspire youth to stand up for a cause they believe in.

The best thing about SADD is you don’t have to be a "straight A student", a "public figure" or "particularly articulate" to be a member. You just have to believe in the cause.

SADD Alberta’s vision is sharply focused: By 2005, 55% of Alberta secondary and post secondary schools will host an active, registered, Students Against Drinking & Driving Chapter.

For more information please contact:
Greg Schmidt
Youth Coordinator
Students Against Drinking & Driving Association of Alberta
Phone: 403 - 394 - 9297
Email: greg@saddalberta.com
General information email: info@saddalberta.com

LINK: www.saddalberta.com

Student Transportation Association of Alberta (STAA)
 

The Student Transportation Association of Alberta (STAA) was formed in 1980 by a group of concerned transportation management professionals and has over 100 members from 60 school divisions in Alberta. Several of the Executive Members sit on the Alberta Student Transportation Advisory Council (ASTAC).

The membership of the STAA represents the majority of school boards throughout Alberta.
Notable achievements of the STAA include:

the production of school bus safety films: "Pay Day" in 1982 and "Excuses, Excuses" in 1987.
The introduction of the "Mutual Aid" program in 1984 involvement in the 1985 implementation of the "S" Endorsement program and the 8 light warning system co-hosting of the Annual School Bus Convention with the ABSCA since 1982.

• development of an information flyer on the procedures for motorists to follow when they see a bus with the 8 light warning system activated, along with the fine and demerits associated with flybys.
• development of a Multi-Media Contest for Alberta students in Grades 7 to 12 through ASTAC
• involvement in the 2012 Canadian Pupil Transportation Convention at Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta
• involvement in various committees with Alberta Transportation and Alberta Education
• involvement in the committees with the Alberta Government on the 10 Point Action Plan for School Bus Safety as follows:
  
  Recommendation 1
  
  It is recommended that the Alberta Vehicle Equipment Regulation be amended to make amber flashing lights mandatory on all school buses whenever the eight light (red and amber) warning system is required to be used.
  
  Recommendation 2
  
  It is recommended that the Alberta Vehicle Equipment Regulation be amended to make a strobe light a requirement in Alberta for all buses whenever the flashing light warning system is required to be used. New buses should be equipped with strobe lights and the Government of Alberta should fund the purchase and installation of retrofitting existing buses in school divisions where the eight light (red and amber) system is required, such as rural areas.
  
  Recommendation 3
  
  It is recommended that all buses be retrofitted with side and rear reflective tape to the Canadian Standards Association D250 standard.
  
  Recommendation 4
  
  It is recommended that specific core components of the 'S' endorsement be mandatory training prior to operating a school bus. The full 'S' endorsement would be required once a driver has operated a school bus for one year.
  
  Recommendation 5
  
  It is recommended that Alberta Transportation provide funding to the industry marketing initiative to recruit qualified and skilled drivers.
  
  Recommendation 6
  
  It is recommended that Alberta Transportation work with the industry to standardize hiring criteria for school bus drivers to ensure consistency and maintenance of high standards.
  
  Recommendation 7
  
  It is recommended that Alberta Transportation work with the school bus industry to provide “refresher training” throughout the year and at high risk collision times (winter months). Such training would also allow employers to target individual drivers' needs and challenges such as winter driving conditions.
  
  Recommendation 8
  
  It is recommended that Class 2 drivers be included in the Commercial Driver Profile program that is being developed by Alberta Transportation.
  
  Recommendation 9
  
  It is recommended that Alberta Transportation and Alberta Education work with the bussing industry to develop a standardized route risk assessment checklist to ensure that all areas of the province are consistently applying best practices concerning the safety of routes and any modifications required due to adverse conditions such as weather.
  
  Recommendation 10
  
  It is recommended that a comprehensive communications plan be developed by Alberta Transportation and Alberta Education to increase awareness about school bus safety and to help ensure all drivers on the road are aware of the existing laws related to sharing the road with school buses

Contact: Walter Grossenbacher, President
Phone: 780-674-8509 Fax: 780-674-8512
E-mail: wgrossenbacher@phrd.ab.ca
LINK: www.staa.ab.ca

Last Updated June 07, 2010