BOYLE – Boyle RCMP are currently on the scene and continuing to respond to several collisions on Highway 63 between Ellscott and Grassland.
Police are advising that the road conditions are icy, slushy, and there is limited visibility due to the falling snow and are asking motorists to slow down and drive to the road conditions, or to avoid Highway 63 if possible.
Boyle RCMP Const. Andrew Deme said the reports started coming in around 8 a.m. and as of 3:30 p.m. there had been 17 reported incidents.
“Some were in the ditch and some were multi vehicle collisions,” he stated.
Police do advise motorists to allow for extra time when travelling, and to slow down when approaching any accident scene to allow first responders and tow truck operators a safe area to work in.
"We’re not saying the roads are impassable; this snowstorm kind of came out of nowhere,” he added. “We're just reminding motorists to just allow that extra driving time and if they don't have travel on the highway, don't.”
It is a $233 fine and three demerits for failing to yield to emergency vehicles and if there is an emergency vehicle or tow truck parked at the side of the road with lights flashing and there are not two lanes, passing the emergency vehicle going over 50 KM/hour will double the demerits to six.
If you hear a siren or see flashing emergency lights, you must clear the intersection if that’s where you are then pull over to the right side of the road on one and two lane roads, if you are on road with three or more lanes, move to the nearest side of the road. If you are on a one-way street pull over to either side as far as possible.
Emergency vehicles have the right-of-way and take precedence over all other traffic. Keep to the side of the street until they have safely passed and watch closely for additional emergency vehicles approaching from behind.
Don't enter an intersection until the emergency vehicle is completely through it, even if you have a green light. The only exception to this rule is when a peace officer gives you other directions.
Drivers must not follow within 150 m of any emergency vehicle that has its siren or lights operating and failing to slow down put's emergency workers, including tow truck drivers and other motorists, at risk of serious injury or even death.
"We're just trying to get the message out to anyone who might be commuting specifically from Fort McMurray to Edmonton,” Deme said. “Or even our local residents that commute from Athabasca to Boyle or Boyle to Athabasca for work or the surrounding areas to just take that extra time and be prepared for an extended commute home today.”
