Calgary's Top Cop Slams City's 'Atrocious' Driving Habits
Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan has delivered a blunt assessment of driving conditions in the city, using the word "atrocious" twice to describe the situation. In a recent interview, Chief McLellan expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of driving behavior on Calgary's roads, highlighting a range of dangerous practices that have become increasingly common.
A Pattern of Reckless Behavior
According to Chief McLellan, the problems are widespread and multifaceted. She pointed to several specific issues plaguing Calgary's streets:
- Excessive speeding with drivers gunning their vehicles well over posted limits
- Reckless and distracted driving that puts all road users at risk
- Impaired driving that continues despite public awareness campaigns
- Road rage incidents that escalate minor conflicts into dangerous situations
- Basic rule violations that demonstrate a disregard for traffic laws
The police chief specifically called out tailgating as a particular Calgary favorite, noting how this aggressive following behavior creates unnecessary hazards on busy roadways.
Personal Observations and Anecdotal Evidence
A recent personal experience highlighted just how problematic driving has become in the city. During a routine Uber trip to an eye doctor appointment, the passenger witnessed multiple near-miss incidents that left both the driver and passenger concerned about safety.
The Uber driver became increasingly frustrated as they encountered:
- Drivers swerving unpredictably between lanes
- Vehicles failing to stop properly at intersections
- Motorists operating their cars as if they lacked basic driving skills
- A particularly egregious example of improper parallel parking that blocked traffic flow
When the passenger questioned where these drivers might have learned their skills, the Uber driver hinted at potential issues with driver testing standards, suggesting some individuals might have obtained licenses through questionable means.
Broader Context and Government Action
This discussion about driving standards comes against a backdrop of recent government action in Alberta. Late last year, provincial authorities cracked down on fraudulent driving schools in the trucking industry, shutting down five institutions and revoking twelve instructor licenses.
While this action specifically targeted commercial vehicle training, it raises broader questions about driver education standards across all vehicle categories. The Uber driver's suggestion that some individuals might have bypassed proper testing procedures aligns with concerns about maintaining rigorous standards for all drivers.
Chief McLellan's strong language reflects growing frustration among law enforcement officials who witness dangerous driving behaviors daily. Her characterization of Calgary driving as "atrocious" serves as both a warning to motorists and a call for improved driver education and enforcement.
The situation has become serious enough that even routine trips around the city now involve multiple close calls and observable violations of basic traffic laws. As Calgary continues to grow, addressing these driving concerns will be crucial for maintaining public safety on the city's increasingly congested roadways.
