August is New Driver Safety Month in Alberta, a time to reinforce awareness of the elevated collision risk among newly licensed drivers. Statistics show that drivers in their first two years on the road are significantly more likely to be involved in preventable collisions compared to drivers with more experience.
Alberta’s Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) program is designed to improve road safety by helping new drivers develop their skills gradually, in a controlled environment. It creates a safer learning process for drivers of all ages and helps reduce the risk of serious collisions.
New drivers should:
- Stay focused and avoid distractions like texting or scrolling while driving.
- Follow at a safe distance to allow time to react.
- Obey speed limits and drive according to road conditions.
Distracted driving is a major concern. Studies show it contributes to 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions in Alberta. Whether it’s glancing at your phone or adjusting the GPS, even a quick distraction can lead to serious consequences.
While new drivers are still learning, everyone on Alberta’s roads shares the responsibility of making safety a top priority. Practicing patience, giving space and staying alert helps protect all road users.
Quick facts
- New drivers include those with learner’s permits and graduated driver’s licences.
- One in five new drivers is involved in a collision during their first two years of driving.
- Between 2018 and 2022 in Alberta, 140 young drivers and motorcyclists (aged 14-24) died and 1,338 had a major injury in collisions.
- Although young drivers represented 13.2 per cent of the province's licensed drivers in 2022, they account for 16.7 per cent of the drivers involved in major-injury and fatal collisions.