Be Safe. Stay Alert. Avoid Distracted Travel

Every day in Calgary, thousands of people walk, cycle, drive, and roll through our streets, and every one of them deserves to get where they’re going safely. Yet as our city continues to see a troubling number of serious and fatal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians, one factor shows up again and again: distraction.

This doesn’t just apply to driving, although that can be a major factor. Pedestrians and cyclists can also be distracted, which can lead to deadly road accidents.

Safer streets depend on all of us paying attention, especially those operating vehicles. Distraction slows reaction times and reduces awareness at exactly the moments when focus matters most. Choosing to put distractions away and actively look out for others can save lives.

What is distracted travel?

Distracted travel refers to any moment when someone moving through the city, whether walking, cycling, or driving, is not fully focused on navigating their surroundings.

Distraction can take many forms: phones, conversations, daydreaming, multitasking, or simply letting your attention drift away from what you’re doing. No matter the type of distraction, it can result in slower responses and missed signals in situations that require quick decisions.

Why this matters

Despite ongoing efforts across Calgary focused on engineering, enforcement, and education, collision numbers are not stabilizing. Pedestrians and cyclists remain especially vulnerable to serious injury or death when something goes wrong.

Road safety is a shared responsibility, but drivers carry a higher duty of care because of the damage a vehicle can cause in an instant, even when someone else has the right of way. Improving safety means working together, without placing blame on those most likely to be harmed in a collision.

Be safe. Stay alert while walking.

Even a routine walk can become dangerous when attention slips. Here are a few reminders for pedestrians:

Even when you are in a crosswalk and have the right of way, pay close attention to what drivers are doing. Make sure they see you before stepping out and continue watching as you cross.

Looking at your phone, texting, listening to music, or being lost in thought reduces awareness of your surroundings.

To help prevent this, clear your mind, pocket your device, and stay alert, especially when crossing streets or moving through busy areas.

If you are out at night, wear bright or light‑coloured clothing and carry a light when possible to make yourself more visible.

Be safe. Stay alert while driving.

Drivers carry the greatest responsibility on our roads. Staying focused can prevent collisions and save lives.

Make sure to look in all directions, especially at crosswalks and intersections where pedestrians may be present. When your attention drifts, the risk of collision rises sharply. Distraction affects awareness, reaction time, and decision‑making in critical moments.

Passengers have a role to play, too. Make sure to speak up if a driver becomes distracted.

For more tools and resources, visit Be Safe. Stay Alert.