Sherwood Park, Alberta – As warmer weather brings out more bicycles on our road ways, Strathcona County RCMP reminds cyclists about the importance of road safety and laws. On the road, a bicycle is classified as a vehicle, and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Since bicycles are one of the smallest vehicles on the road, you must make an effort to be seen and heard. Reflective tape, reflectors and lights make you more visible. Bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night will help people see you better.

Strathcona County, Alberta – Strathcona County RCMP are warning residents of a “phishing” email scam that has been circulating. This email scam involves a delivery service which could include FedEx, Canada Post, DHL and DPD. The email subject field will include information such as shipping notifications, delivery status, shipping confirmation or delivery information. Well-known companies and brands are favourite targets for fraudsters. After all, it is much easier to get people’s attention with the use of a popular name, so scammers have more chance of trapping a user.

Strathcona County, Alberta - March is Occupant Restraint Safety month and the Strathcona County RCMP and their road safety partners will be enhancing enforcement efforts to ensure that the general public is complying with all Occupant Restraint laws.

Strathcona County, Alberta - With everyone’s busy schedules distracted driving seems to be a common occurrence on our roadways. Driving always requires your full attention. Distracted driving is similar to impaired driving as the driver’s judgement can be compromised when they are not fully focused on the road. Distracted driving can lead to reduced reaction time, impaired judgement and the possibility of injury or death to the driver, passengers and/or others on or along the roadway.

Strathcona County, Alberta - January is Intersection Safety Month in Alberta. Intersections are natural points of conflict in our roadway system in both urban and rural settings. The Strathcona County RCMP wants to remind drivers and pedestrians to use caution when at intersections.

The majority of collisions at intersections are caused by driver error, the most common being; making a left turn across the path of an on-coming vehicle, committing a stop sign violation, and disobeying a traffic signal.

Strathcona County, Alberta – Most people are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving but don’t realize that fatigued driving can be just as fatal. Like alcohol, fatigue impairment slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgment and increases the risk of being involved in a collision. Being awake for 23-24 hours causes the same impairment as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05.

Strathcona County, Alberta – In the past month Strathcona County RCMP have seen another variation of the commonly known Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam.

Victims are being contacted by phone and told that they have overdue taxes to pay and if they don’t, they will be arrested. In this version, victims have been told to send their money using Bitcoin ATM’s. Victims are told to withdraw cash from their bank account, deposit the cash into a Bitcoin ATM which converts the cash into Bitcoin and then transfer the funds to the caller.