A huge increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities in Calgary has officials calling for caution on the roads.
A recent Calgary Herald article states that in 2024 there were 29 deadly traffic collisions involving 13 pedestrians. That is a significant rise from just four such deaths in 2023.
So far in 2025 there have been two pedestrian fatalities with several more causing life-altering injuries.
Pedestrian fatalities have been increasing year-over-year since 2021. City officials call it a “very concerning” trend.
Speed (and size) kills
Speed plays a critical role in traffic safety. Studies show that strict adherence to speed limits could reduce injuries and fatalities by up to 70 per cent. Driving just 10 km/hr over the speed limit poses the same risk of injury or death as driving at the legal blood alcohol limit.
In addition, the larger SUVs and trucks we tend to drive in Alberta also pose a significant challenge.
Research has shown that SUVs and trucks cause far more lethal injuries than cars. In one Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study done out of Michigan it was noted that at speeds over 30 km/hr, 30% of pedestrian accidents involving a truck or SUV resulted in a fatality as compared with 23% for smaller vehicles. When driving about 64 km/hr, the three pedestrian crashes from the SUV sample all resulted in a fatality, as compared to 54% from the smaller vehicle category.
Pedestrians are most at risk when at or near an intersection, says the IIHS study. When SUVs, vans and minivans, and trucks, are turning left, a crash causing a pedestrian fatality is from three to four times more likely. A bad right turn by a pickup truck is 89% more likely to kill a pedestrian than a car. A bad right turn by an SUV is 63% more likely to cause a fatality.
SUVS and pickups also have 51% and 21% greater odds of killing a pedestrian walking or running along a road than a smaller car.
To improve pedestrian safety, the City of Calgary has implemented a number of curb extensions — permanent or temporary features that block parking near crosswalks and shorten crossing distances for pedestrians.
In Alberta, the consequences for hitting a pedestrian depend on the severity of the incident and the driver’s behavior. Both criminal and civil penalties may apply.
Criminal Penalties
- Failing to Stop and Assist
Under Section 252(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, failing to stop and provide assistance after an accident can result in up to five years in prison—or life imprisonment if the accident results in death. - Leaving the Scene (Hit-and-Run)
Drivers who flee the scene can face fines, license suspension, demerit points, or imprisonment. In cases involving serious injury or death, penalties may reach up to 10 years or life imprisonment. - Reckless or Dangerous Driving
If reckless or dangerous driving caused the incident, the driver may face charges that carry fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.
Civil Liability
Drivers can be held financially responsible for damages, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Injured pedestrians may file a personal injury claim through a civil lawsuit.
- If the driver is uninsured, compensation may be available through Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Program (MVAC).
Distracted driving also an issue
Distracted driving also plays a major role in accidents involving pedestrians.
According to a February bulletin from the Alberta government, distracted driving accounts for up to 30 per cent of all vehicle collisions.
Studies conclusively show that distracted driving is extremely dangerous. In fact, it can be even more dangerous than driving under the influence. Texting and driving is six times more likely to result in an accident than drunk driving. Neither should ever be done, of course, but sadly distracted driving remains far more common than insurance companies would hope for.
A distracted driving ticket can result in a heavy fine and even the loss of your vehicle insurance. We at Lane’s have heard from drivers who are having a hard time renewing their insurance because of a distracted driving ticket. Consumers are telling of incidents where they had their collision and comprehensive coverage removed while their rates were also increased considerably — some say by as much as 25%. Insurance companies are taking distracted driving tickets very seriously, which is added incentive to keep your phone at a distance from the moment you unlock your door to when you shut off your engine.
Under Alberta law, you could be charged with distracted driving if you do any of the following while behind the wheel:
- Use a handheld cell phone in any way
- Compose emails or text messages; the law applies even if you are stopped at a stop sign or red light
- Use any type of electronic equipment while the vehicle is in motion (including MP3 players, laptop computers, cameras and GPS units, among others)
- Read, write or draw while driving
- Groom oneself while driving (including flossing, fixing hair, applying makeup, etc.)
Keep in mind that police officers have a lot of leeway when it comes to issuing a ticket for distracted driving. Even if you are not engaged in any of the above activities, if you are spotted not paying attention while behind the wheel you could be charged.
Your vehicle insurance and a pedestrian collision
Your driver’s insurance company will typically cover the costs of the pedestrian’s injuries and damages, especially if you are properly insured. Alberta legislation mandates that drivers must carry liability and accidents benefits coverage. If you are found at fault for an accident involving a pedestrian, your liability coverage provides compensation for their injuries.
Lane’s Insurance covers Alberta
We are a leading Alberta-based brokerage offering highly competitive rates on vehicle insurance and all other insurance needs. We are able to cross-compare policies from Canada’s top insurance providers to allow you access to the best coverage at the lowest rates.
We are pleased to serve homeowners and business owners throughout Alberta. Contact us at:
- Our Calgary office
- Our Edmonton office
- Our Banff office
- Serving the rest of Alberta
