While it may be tempting to attribute Edmonton's traffic problems solely to driver behaviour, it's not entirely accurate. Edmonton is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, with a population of over one million people. This growth has put a strain on the city's infrastructure and transportation systems, leading to increased traffic congestion and delays.

Additionally, Edmonton is located in a northern climate, which means it experiences harsh winter weather conditions, including snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. These weather conditions can make driving more challenging, even for experienced drivers, and increase the risk of accidents. 

It's worth noting that driving in extreme winter weather conditions requires additional skills and knowledge. In Edmonton, the winter season can last for up to six months, with temperatures dropping to as low as -40°C (-40°F). The city experiences frequent snowfall, which can result in slippery and icy roads, reduced visibility, and challenging driving conditions.

These harsh conditions can make driving more challenging, even for experienced drivers. Drivers may need to adjust their speed and driving style to match the road conditions, ensure their vehicles are equipped with proper winter tires, and stay alert for other hazards on the road.

However, it's important to note that winter weather conditions are not unique to Edmonton. Many cities in Canada and around the world experience similarly harsh winter conditions, and yet they do not necessarily have the same reputation for bad driving as Edmonton.

Ultimately, driver behaviour plays a critical role in road safety, regardless of the climate. Factors like speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving can increase the risk of accidents, regardless of the road conditions.

To address these issues, the city of Edmonton has implemented various measures, such as public education campaigns, increased enforcement of traffic laws, and improved road safety infrastructure. These efforts aim to promote safe driving behaviour and reduce the number of accidents on the city's roads.

Despite these challenges, it's important to acknowledge that driver behaviour can also play a role in Edmonton's traffic problems. Some factors that may contribute to this include aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failing to follow traffic laws.

Edmonton has a reputation for having some of the worst drivers in Canada, and while many factors can contribute to this, aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and failing to follow traffic laws are some of the most significant culprits.

Aggressive driving is a common problem on Edmonton's roads, where drivers may tailgate, cut off other vehicles, or engage in road rage. These behaviours can increase the risk of accidents and put other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in danger.

Speeding is another issue that plagues Edmonton's roads. Many drivers exceed the speed limit, particularly on highways, where speeds can reach up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Speeding reduces the driver's reaction time and can result in more severe accidents, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Distracted driving is also a growing problem in Edmonton. Many drivers use their phones or engage in other distracting activities while behind the wheel, taking their attention away from the road. This can lead to accidents, particularly when combined with other factors like speeding or aggressive driving.

Finally, failing to follow traffic laws is a significant issue in Edmonton. Drivers may run red lights, fail to stop at stop signs, or ignore other traffic signals, putting themselves and others at risk.

To address these issues, the city of Edmonton has implemented various measures, including public education campaigns and increased enforcement of traffic laws. The city also encourages drivers to be mindful of their behaviour on the road and to take steps to reduce their risk of accidents, such as adjusting their speed to match the road conditions, avoiding distractions while driving, and following traffic laws.

Ultimately, it's crucial to recognize that improving road safety is a shared responsibility between drivers, government agencies, and other stakeholders. By working together, we can create a safer and more efficient transportation system for everyone.