A tow-truck driver is in hospital in Edmonton after being struck by a vehicle while responding to a call Friday afternoon.
At around 12:30 p.m., the worker was responding to a number of calls about vehicles in the ditch in the area of 17 Street and Whitemud Drive, according to AMA. While he was putting out traffic cones, a passing car struck him with its side mirror.
“Every day, our tow truck drivers put their lives on the line to help Alberta drivers. What we ask in return is a safe environment – for everyone at the roadside,” Don Smitten, president and CEO of AMA said.
According to police, the worker suffered injuries to his arm and was taken to hospital.
AMA says a traffic blocker truck was positioned on the freeway and both vehicles had their amber emergency lights on at the time.
“Although we’re grateful the injuries weren’t worse, this is a sobering reminder of the risks tow truck drivers face and how these incidents are entirely preventable. We can, and we must, do more to ensure their safety,” Smitten said.
The driver of the vehicle was charged with driving at an unreasonable speed.
Edmonton roads were slick on Friday as snow fell and temperatures hovered around the -15 C mark. According to police, between 12 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Friday, 189 collisions had been reported to them. Thirteen of those were hit-and-run collisions, 15 resulted in injuries and 161 caused damage to property.
Police are reminding drivers to take care on the roads and to drive to the conditions.
The City of Edmonton said it had a number of crews out on the road. According to a spokesperson, there were over 230 pieces of equipment, including 135 sanders/plough units, 24 ploughs and 20 graders, out working to clear the snow.
In a news release, AMA reminded drivers that it is law in Alberta for drivers to either slow down to 60 km/h, or slower if the posted speed limit is slower, or, whenever possible, to move over one full lane from any vehicle with its emergency lights activated.
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