Multiple collisions lead police to urge better caution in winter weather
By Tim Kalinowski on December 21, 2017.
Police responded to more than a dozen collisions Wednesday as winter weather returned to the streets of Medicine Hat. Speed, poor judgement and a lack of proper winter driving equipment are the leading causes for city collisions at this time of year, and once again the MHPS is urging motorists to be prepared and take extra caution.-NEWS FILE PHOTOtkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal The Medicine Hat Police Service had a busy Wednesday dealing with a number of minor collisions throughout the city, as some Hatters had difficulties adjusting to icy conditions and snow after weeks of fairly mild weather. The MHPS Traffic Safety Unit was reporting nearly a dozen collisions taking place during the day, all related to a combination of winter weather, too much speed and poorly gripped tires. “The biggest thing we are seeing today is people are not giving themselves time to get to their destinations,” explained Cst. David Smith of the Traffic Safety Unit, “and they don’t alter their schedule for the weather. They think they can take the same amount of time to get to work they always do. “And sure, it is great to have four-wheel drive SUVs. They pull away great in the snow, but they still take the same amount of time to stop. You can have all the all-wheel drive you want, but if you don’t have the proper equipment or tires to go along with that you are still no better off than anyone else on the roadway when there is icy or snowy conditions.” Smith says he hopes Hatters get the message about driving to suit road conditions and getting proper tires after Wednesday’s car crash derby. “People need to slow down, and they have to have the proper equipment on their vehicles. Most collisions today had some component of that weather-equipment combination in the cause. Today, (those in collisions) were not well-equipped for the weather.” 8
-7
