The Alberta RCMP is reminding motorists to drive with extra care and attention during inclement weather.
Around 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 3, a member of the Leduc RCMP traffic unit responded to “a single vehicle collision” on Highway 2 northbound near Highway 616.
The vehicle had collided with a wire barrier in the meridian; the RCMP vehicle parked down the highway from the collision site on the left-hand side of the road with its emergency lights on.
A semi-truck then proceeded to collide with both the RCMP vehicle and the vehicle involved in the first collision.
The officer was inside his vehicle, speaking with the driver involved in the first collision when his vehicle was struck.
Immediately requesting assistance, other first responders arrived on scene and transported both the officer and the other driver to the hospital, where they were later released.
The driver of the semi was not injured but was subsequently issued a ticket for careless driving under the Traffic Safety Act.
“First responders are in a high-risk situation when they’re parked roadside, particularly when road and traffic conditions are treacherous,” said Cst. Cheri-Lee Smith, Leduc RCMP Public Information Officer.
“As first responders, we have bright red and blue emergency lights to assist in ensuring our safety and those around us. But other vehicles don’t have that extra safety measure.”
The release issuing this reminder notes “that the safest place to be on the highway is in a car” thanks to all of the modern safety features, like airbags and seatbelts.
“RCMP would like to remind motorists of the importance of safe winter driving with winter weather upon us, making driving conditions more challenging,” continues the release.
With winter weather gripping the province, motorists should be prepared to slow down, or even avoid travel if possible.
To check road conditions all over the province, check out 511.Alberta.ca.
For more traffic safety information, follow Alberta RCMP on Faceback, @RCMPinAlberta, and X (formerly Twitter), @RCMPAlberta.