Traffic deaths rising in Edmonton
Posted November 13, 2025 6:49 pm.
The number of people dying on Edmonton roads is rising, reaching its highest point since 2015.
New data from the Edmonton Police Service shows 29 traffic fatalities in 2025 as of Nov. 6, higher than total deaths each year since 2016. Deaths most recently peaked in 2015 with 31 fatalities, then declined into the pandemic, rising again since 2023.
Dominic Schamuhn with the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is concerned by the trend, calling for drivers to be more alert.
“We all have responsibility. And every time we get behind the wheel, making sure that we’re paying attention to our speed, we’re leaving enough vehicle, leaving enough space from the vehicle in front of us that we are making sure that we’re focused entirely on the driving task at hand,” he said.
Schamuhn said changes in what he calls “driver culture” could be a factor, hearing from AMA customers, there’s more aggression, risk-taking, and less respect for others on the road.
“Folks are not respectful, they are not aware of their surroundings, that they’re more focused on themselves and getting to where they’re going,” he explained.
Pedestrian deaths are also on the rise, following the trend of overall traffic fatalities. Ten pedestrians have died to date in 2025.
Sgt. Kerry Bates with EPS’ traffic safety unit is not sure why traffic fatalities, in general, are rising, but says the trend is stable after a pandemic dip.But Bates urges drivers and pedestrians to be alert.
“You really, really have to embrace your own safety and really, really pay attention, being vulnerable on the roadways,” he said.
“People just have to do better. They have to pay more attention and make sure when they’re doing a maneuver that it’s being done safely.”
Alberta ended photo radar in 2025 claiming municipalities were using them as a “cash cow” to make money. Cameras monitoring speeding around schools, playgrounds, and construction zones, however, remain in place.
Edmonton mayor Andrew Knack is also hoping to bring in dedicated traffic safety teams similar to Calgary, and to use artificial intelligence to help with traffic safety.
