Tow of bike and Ford. (Courtesy Alberta RCMP)
FORT MCMURRAY, Alta., — Wood Buffalo RCMP have laid racing and speeding charges against two drivers and seized both vehicles after they were caught street racing in the Timberlea area of Fort McMurray early Monday morning. The drivers, one operating a black Ford Explorer and the other a grey Kawasaki motorcycle, were recorded travelling at 114 km/h and 134 km/h respectively in a posted 60 km/h zone, and will now face mandatory court appearances.
The incident occurred on June 15, at approximately 1:12 a.m., when RCMP Municipal Traffic Services officers on patrol observed the two vehicles stopped at a red light on Confederation Way at Brett Drive. According to police, both vehicles accelerated at a high rate of speed as soon as the light turned green.
The black Ford Explorer was clocked using police laser, while the grey Kawasaki motorcycle was caught on police radar. Both vehicles were subsequently stopped and towed by RCMP.
The driver of the motorcycle is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on August 21, while the driver of the Explorer is set to appear on Aug. 28.
Under Alberta traffic laws, any speeding charge exceeding 50 km/h over the posted limit results in a mandatory court appearance and can lead to significant fines, increased insurance rates, and possible licence suspension. Standard fines and demerits for lower ranges include up to $126 and two demerits for 15 km/h over, up to $249 and three demerits for 16 to 30 km/h over, and up to $495 and four demerits for 31 to 50 km/h over.
In a statement, RCMP reminded motorists of the dangers of excessive speed.
“In Alberta, standard speed limits are established for different roadways for the safety of those traveling on them,” the release said. “Slow down. Speed limits save lives. Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Help keep our roads safe by obeying the speed limits and adjusting your speed for road and weather conditions.”
Police also offered practical advice for avoiding speeding infractions.
“To avoid speeding, the RCMP recommends giving yourself enough travel time, limiting distractions while driving, and being aware of posted limits, especially in playground and construction zones,” the release added.
