WESTLOCK - With the onset of winter, Westlock RCMP continue to preach caution for area motorists.
At around 8 p.m. Oct. 28, RCMP, fire and emergency crews were called to the scene of a moose-versus-van collision roughly nine kilometres south of Westlock on Highway 44.
Westlock RCMP Staff Sgt. Al Baird said the driver of the cargo van was not seriously injured and taken to hospital as a precaution. Traffic on Highway 44 was slowed until roughly 9 p.m. as crews worked to remove the vehicle.
“We get animal strikes all throughout the year,” said Baird, noting they deal with about half-a-dozen moose-versus-vehicle collisions yearly. “I mean it’s a good idea to be a little more vigilant with hunting season and animals are moving a bit more. And certainly they need to be scanning the ditches more as their (animals) eyes do glow when hit by headlights.”
And with winter now here, driving conditions can change hour to hour — Thursday morning, light snow and rain made some area roads slick, while on Wednesday night there were reports of a light drizzle around Westlock. On Friday morning, there were reports of freezing rain on Highway 44 south in the Pickardville/Busby areas.
“This time of the year people need make sure they get their winter tires to help with traction and stopping distances,” he added.
