June is Commercial Safety Month
June is an important month for Alberta’s transportation industry, especially when it comes to Commercial Vehicle Safety. It’s a time to reflect on the critical role large vehicles play in keeping goods moving, and more importantly, on the responsibility we all share in ensuring safety on our roads.
Commercial vehicles are a constant presence on Alberta highways. These vehicles are essential to our province and country, transporting goods efficiently across vast distances. But due to their size, weight, and limited visibility, they also present unique safety challenges.
What Makes Commercial Vehicles Different
Commercial vehicles differ significantly from passenger vehicles. They are larger, heavier, take longer to stop, have larger blind spots, and require a wider turning radius. These differences demand greater attention from both commercial and passenger vehicle drivers.
You’ve likely heard messages about “sharing the road safely,” but what does that mean?
It means:
Giving trucks adequate space
Avoiding blind spots
Being especially cautious around merging or turning commercial vehicles
Key Stats to Keep in Mind
According to the Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors:
In 2023, commercial vehicles accounted for 3% of all vehicles involved in casualty collisions but made up 7.2% of vehicles in fatal collisions.
There were 24 fatalities and 126 major injuries in 2023 involving commercial vehicles — a decrease from 2022.
The most common driver errors in truck-tractor crashes were running off the road and following too closely.
Truck drivers were more likely than other drivers to be fatigued or asleep at the time of a casualty collision (2019–2023).
In 2024, 9,760 commercial vehicle and/or driver inspections were conducted by the Sheriff Highway Patrol to support compliance and safety.
Two of the most preventable factors in collisions continue to be driver fatigue and close following distance. Fortunately, both can be addressed through proper habits, defensive driving, and increased awareness.
Tips for Sharing the Road with Commercial Vehicles
Here are a few practical safety tips to keep in mind:
Stay out of blind spots: If you can’t see a truck’s mirrors, the driver likely can’t see you
Give trucks room to turn: Large vehicles need extra space, especially at intersections
Don’t cut in front: Trucks need a much longer distance to stop. Only pass when it’s safe and there’s plenty of room
Stay alert: Never assume a commercial driver sees you or can stop quickly; always drive defensively
Let’s Drive Forward — Safely
Commercial vehicle safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you're in a commercial vehicle or a passenger car, staying alert, giving space, and respecting the rules of the road can help reduce collisions and save lives.
Let’s make Alberta’s roads safer, this June and all year long.