Drivers make their way up and down Scholten Hill on Thursday. Drivers are reminded to be extra careful around the many hills in the city.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker
Wednesday’s snow caused slick road conditions, which helped cause roughly 15 collisions around the city.
Though the day started out fairly normal, winter weather quickly took over, causing delays on Medicine Hat roads and a temporary closure of the Trans-Canada Highway.
“Our city is quite spread out, so when a snowfall hits, it takes a bit of time for the city sanding crews and graders to get out there,” said Medicine Hat Police Service Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer. “People need to give themselves extra time, leave early to get wherever you need to be.
“If possible, when the roads are like that, stay home if you can. People shouldn’t travel unless it is essential.”
Sadlemyer says the hills in the city are often where collisions occur.
“No matter where you drive in Medicine Hat, you’re going to have to take a hill to get up or down to where you’re going,” he said. “This happens every year, so people can be prepared for this. Get yourself a nice set of winter tires and leave space when driving.
“You see people stuck spinning going up a hill, people need to be ready for our winters.”
Sadlemyer says areas to be extra careful around are the Kin Coulee dip on the Trans-Canada Highway, Dunmore Hill, Scholten Hill, College Avenue hill, and the Altawana Avenue and Parkview Drive hills.
“The message is the same every year,” said Sadlemyer. “We hope people are smart on the road and have a safe winter.”
