Calgary police are sounding the alarm after three separate impaired driving collisions unfolded across the city in just four hours Wednesday evening, injuring multiple people and raising fresh concerns about dangerous driving behaviour on local roads.
The first incident struck around 7 p.m. on southbound Deerfoot Trail between 24 Street and Barlow Trail. Three vehicles collided in what officers say was an impaired-driving incident, leaving everyone involved with minor injuries. The suspected impaired driver was transported to hospital for treatment. Police are seeking dashcam footage from the area and ask anyone with video evidence to contact them at 403-266-1234.
Less than three hours later, chaos erupted again. Just before 10 p.m., a three-vehicle crash at 88 Avenue and 52 Street NE left one vehicle overturned and several people nursing minor injuries. Officers arrested one driver on suspicion of impaired operation.
Minutes later at 10:20 p.m., another multi-vehicle collision occurred at Centre Street and 56 Avenue NE, resulting in another arrest for suspected impaired driving.
A Preventable Crisis
"The consequences of impaired driving can be devastating yet it is an entirely preventable crime," said Calgary Police Service Staff Sergeant Rob Patterson in a statement. "We are reminding Calgarians there is never an excuse to drive after drinking and encourage them to catch a ride with a friend, a taxi, or any rideshare option."
The warning comes amid a troubling year on Calgary streets. As of April, Calgary police have issued 761 Immediate Roadside Sanctions and laid 32 charges for impaired driving. Impairment is suspected as a contributing factor in one of 11 fatal collisions recorded in Calgary so far in 2024 — a grim reminder of the stakes involved.
Police are urging the public to call 911 immediately if they suspect a driver is impaired. Anyone with information about the three Wednesday crashes can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
This article is based on reporting from Global Calgary.