EDMONTON – Emergency response crews are asking Edmontonians to slow down and drive to the conditions as snow continues falls on the city Sunday.
“I think the most important thing is that everybody just needs to slow down,” said Captain Doug Hamilton with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.
Hamilton issued the warning as fire crews, EMS and police responded to a rollover on the west leg of Anthony Henday Drive just south of Whitemud Drive late Sunday morning.
“If you look up and down this Henday there’s vehicles in the median, in the ditch, on the side and people, they’re driving way too fast for the conditions,” Hamilton said. “They’re going way too fast and then you have to make a correction and it’s too late, you’re in the ditch or rolled over.”
Shortly after 1:00 p.m. Sunday, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) advised against travel on the entire southwest leg of the Anthony Henday, after several collisions in the area, including a multi-vehicle collision near 111 Street. Police say there were also several other injury-related collisions on the Anthony Henday between 111 Street and the Highway 16 turnoff.
“Avoid it,” said Acting Inspector Malcolm Allan with the EPS. “It’s so treacherous, just avoid it at all cost.”
READ MORE: Safety tips for driving in winter
No one was seriously injured in the rollover, but with up to four centimetres of snow expected in the Capital Region Sunday, officials are urging motorists to give themselves a bit of extra time to safely reach their destinations.
“Give themselves some time, give some more space between you and and vehicle in front of you so you can slow down, and keep your speeds a little bit lower,” said Hamilton.
Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Edmonton police responded to 49 collisions:
Hit-and-run collisions – 7
Injury collisions – 5
Property damage collisions – 37
Lac La Biche RCMP are also warning against travel on some northern Alberta highways.
Officers say Highway 881 and Highway 663 are in treacherous, extremely poor winter driving condition.
On Highway 881 in particular, RCMP say officers are having difficulty attending calls due to reduced visibility.
Both Highway 881 and 663 have a no tow advisory in place.
RCMP say Highways 36, 55, and 858 are in fair condition, but there are icy sections.
For the latest highway conditions, visit 511 Alberta’s website, or follow 511 Alberta on Twitter.
For the latest weather conditions on the go, download the SkyTracker Weather App.
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