With the weather playing havoc with the road conditions, RCMP throughout the region want to get the message out to drivers that they need to adjust their driving habits.
The call comes on the heels of a string of fatal collisions on Alberta highways over three days – Nov. 21 to 23 – where a total of 12 people died.
Boyle RCMP have also responded to about 25 collisions in the past week with poor winter road conditions playing a major factor in the majority of those collisions. Also, those figures don’t include the vast number of reports they received about slow moving traffic and stalled, spun-out or stuck vehicles.
“These traffic collision deaths are a reminder for all drivers to drive more with more caution and be smart about their driving in these winter conditions,” said Sgt. Sonny Kim, officer in charge of the Boyle/Athabasca Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU).
Kim explained that people should heed the warnings about staying off the roads if their travel isn’t necessary, as it puts not only the themselves at risk, but also the lives of other drivers and those of the emergency responders that will likely have to attend a collision.
“If you absolutely must get somewhere, take it easy, slow down and leave more than enough time to get there,” stated Kim.
“It’s better to get to your destination later than to not get there at all.”
Kim added collisions can be prevented having a properly equipped vehicle with windows that are clear of snow and frost, going easy when braking or accelerating and being aware of the traffic and other potential hazards around you.
The RCMP also want motorists to remember that snowplows are slow moving vehicles that require space to work.
“Plows work to make highway driving conditions safer and motorists should avoid driving close to them or semi-tractors as motorists may experience poor visibility while in their vicinity,” stated Cst. Alex Ayres of the Boyle RCMP.
Cst. Ayres added motorists should reference Alberta 511 – available for free everywhere by calling 511 or visiting www.511.alberta.ca on your smart phone or computer – for road conditions and reports.
Drivers that wish to request highway maintenance or to report a highway problem should contact Carillion Canada at 1-800-390-2242. Carillion services highways in the region including 63, 55, 663, 831 and 855.
The RCMP ask the public to not call them with these issues as it takes resources away from their responsibilities.
However, the public should call 911 to report a collision.
