Calgary’s roads have always had their fair share of bad drivers, but lately, things seem to be getting worse. From aggressive tailgating to distracted driving, reckless behavior is making the city’s streets more dangerous than ever. Road rage incidents are on the rise, and frustrated commuters are reaching their breaking points. So, what’s causing this surge in bad driving, and what can be done to fix it?
A City Plagued by Dangerous Drivers
If you drive in Calgary regularly, you’ve likely encountered some of the city’s worst offenders. Whether it’s a driver speeding 30 km/h over the limit on Deerfoot Trail, someone running a red light at a busy intersection, or an impatient motorist honking in gridlock, bad behavior is everywhere. The most common dangerous driving habits include:
Excessive speeding – Many drivers treat major roads like racetracks, leading to frequent high-speed crashes.
Distracted driving – Despite strict laws, people are still texting, eating, and even applying makeup behind the wheel.
Road rage and aggression – Tailgating, brake-checking, and violent confrontations between drivers are on the rise.
Ignoring traffic rules – Red light runners, illegal U-turns, and drivers refusing to yield are common complaints.
What’s Fueling Calgary’s Driving Crisis?
There’s no single reason why Calgary’s roads have become more chaotic, but several factors contribute to the problem:
1. Increased Traffic and Construction With Calgary’s growing population, roads are more congested than ever. Long commutes and constant roadwork frustrate drivers, leading to impatience and aggressive behavior.
2. A Culture of Impatience Many drivers feel entitled to speed through traffic, cut off others, and ignore basic road etiquette. The lack of courtesy on Calgary’s roads has led to more confrontations and unsafe driving.
3. Weak Enforcement While police occasionally crack down on dangerous driving, many offenders go unpunished. Without consistent penalties, reckless drivers continue their bad habits.
4. Social Media and Dash Cams Exposing More Bad Behavior Platforms like Reddit and Twitter are flooded with videos of Calgary’s worst drivers, bringing more attention to the issue. While this raises awareness, it also highlights just how common reckless driving has become.
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