Newly-licenced drivers are filled with excitement and a sense of freedom as they take to the roadways. However, it takes time for new drivers to gain experience behind the wheel. Driving requires a mix of cognitive, visual, and manual skills that take time to develop. New drivers need to pay extra attention as they practice and refine these skills.

Traffic safety is paramount at every age however young drivers are consistently overrepresented in collisions occurring in Alberta year after year. In 2019, young drivers accounted for 17.3 per cent of the drivers involved in casualty collisions. Drivers aged 16-17 were more likely to be involved in a collision than any other age group.

Young drivers tend to overestimate their driving abilities while underestimating the risks that they encounter on the road. They are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviours such as speeding, alcohol and/or drug consumption and often neglect wearing seatbelts. In fact, statistics from 2015 – 2019, provided by Alberta Transportation, show that two in five young drivers killed in a collision were not wearing seatbelts. In the same report, 169 young drivers and motorcyclists, aged 14 to 24, were killed and a staggering 10,788 were injured in motor vehicle collisions.

Young drivers are also more likely to commit a driver error than more experienced drivers. The most common errors include following too closely, running off the road and making an incorrect left turn. New drivers are encouraged to slow down and drive to the conditions of the road. Statistics show that about one quarter of fatal collisions involving young drivers were more likely to occur during nighttime hours than during the day. 

It is important to keep your eyes and your attention on the road. Distractions, such as cellphones, cause the driver’s eyes to leave the roadway often causing accidents.  The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and 3 demerit points. 

Remember to buckle up. It’s the law in Alberta that the driver and all passengers in a motor vehicle wear a seatbelt. The penalty for seat belt infractions is a fine of $162.

Traffic laws exist to keep everyone, regardless of age, safe on Alberta roads. 

Several of the following matters are currently under investigation.  If anyone has any information regarding any of these incidents, or you see any suspicious activity, please contact the Devon RCMP at 780-987-3413. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Devon RCMP attended the new Industrial Park where an attempt was made to break into a business.  Investigation on going, no suspects at this time.   Officers were also called to the Devon Lions Campground regarding a trailer that had its window fall out.  No entry was made, nothing appeared to be taken.  It was concluded that the window many have fallen out due to an event that happened the week before.

A resident reported that a utility trailer had been abandoned in the back alley near their home.  Police conducted an investigation and the trailer was returned to its owner.  The owner had not parked it there, and had not noticed it was gone.  

A fine of $300 was issued to motorist for driving while, holding, viewing, or manipulating a hand-held or wireless electronic devise.  

There was an attempt made to steal three vehicles at a residence on Michigan Street.  The vandals broke the window of one vehicle, punch the door of the other, and punched the ignition of another.  The Victim/Complainant declined to proceed with any further investigation.

A truck was stolen from the parking lot by Florida Pizza.  The truck was later recovered.  The Police Dog was called out; no track was made.  Officers questioned the neighbours but no one saw anything.

A hole was cut in the chain link fence on the north side of the Devon Glass parking lot.  RCMP attended and took pictures.  Nothing was taken from the property.  Incident may be linked to an occurrence that happened earlier in August.

Devon RCMP administered a Mandatory Alcohol Screening to a motorist on Michigan Street.  The motorist blew a fail.  They were issued an immediate Roadside Sanction which includes a $1000 fine plus victim fine surcharge, 90 – day driver’s licence suspension, 30 – vehicle seizure, and attendance at the Planning Ahead Course (1 day).  

A motorist driving through Devon observed a passenger in another vehicle throw cans and garbage into the ditch from their vehicle.  The RCMP made patrols of Devon and the vehicle was located.  The Community Peace Officers are following up.

A Resident of Devon was having too much fun playing ding-dong-dash late at night.  RCMP were called, the offender was located and issued a $600 fine.

The Town of Devon reported two instances of mischief causing damage to property.  The first was that a fence had been cut near Athabasca Acres.  The second was to trail closed fencing posts and live stakes that were removed from the ground and thrown into the bushes.  Fortunately, the posts and stakes were not damaged and will be reinstalled.   

Devon RCMP executed a search warrant where numerous keys have been recovered.  If you have had any keys go missing in the last 6-8 months please contact the Devon RCMP with a description, many do not have identifying marks or tags.  

A guitar was found at the bike park, near a sewer pipe, close to the Leg of Fire stairs.

Found on Athabasca Avenue was a lanyard with a card attached.

Devon residents have been and are diligent in finding items while doing various activities around town.  We encourage you to keep an eye out for these items.  Keys, glasses, wallets, etc go missing and the owners are always happy to hear that someone was kind enough to turn them is and they can get them back.  Another reason why Devon is such a great community to live in!

If you think any of these items belong to you, please call the Devon RCMP during office hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at (780)987-3414.

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