Highway 1A west of Chestermere was closed for several hours on Friday December 18th when a serious accident sent two people to hospital.
At 11:10 a.m., Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics from Chestermere and Calgary responded to Highway 1A (17 Avenue S.E.) and Range Road 284 (116 street S.E.), just west of Chestermere, for a motor vehicle collision involving a semi-truck and car.
Witnesses say the small car had begun to fishtail on the slippery roadway and in an attempt to regain control collided with a semi-truck.
Two people were transported to hospital:
• From the car, a female, in her 40’s, transported in stable, non life-threatening condition, however, with a serious leg injury to the Foothills Medical Centre. She required extrication from her significantly damaged vehicle;
• From the semi-truck, a male, in his 30’s, transported in stable, non life-threatening to the Foothills Medical Centre.
Upon arriving at the hospital, it was also discovered that the women sustained broken ribs, cracked pelvis and other injuries.
This accident had Highway 1A closed for several hours from Rainbow Road to Range Road 284 with Chestermere Peace Officers directing traffic to alternate routes into Chestermere.
This wasn’t the only accident in our city on this wintery day. Around 7:30am at the intersection of Rainbow Road and Rainbow Falls Gate and 11 year old girl was struck by a pickup truck. Thankfully, the pick-up was travelling at a low rate of speed at the time of the collision and the young girl only sustained soft tissue damage. The victim was transported to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in stable non life-threatening condition.
With the holiday season now in full swing, there will be lots of busy activity on our city roads and highways. Bustling about to finish last minute shopping and travelling to see family and friends is such an important part of this time of year, but can also be the most dangerous time on our roads.
Transportation Alberta has provided some helpful tips to deal with getting around in our wintery weather.
• Winterize your vehicles. This should include an examination of the spare tire, battery, belts, hoses, anti-freeze, tires, brakes, heater, defroster and windshield wipers.
• Carry an emergency road kit in your vehicle’s trunk or cargo space.
• Clear all snow and ice completely off windows, side view mirrors, headlights, taillights and licence plates.
• Buckle up and adjust head restraints. The centre of your head restraint should be even with the top of your ears.
• Try to keep your vehicle’s fuel tank more than half full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems in your fuel system and it adds extra weight to your vehicle. A topped-up gas tank will also be an asset if you become stranded.
• Slow down when conditions aren’t ideal. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road conditions. Even if road signs say you may drive 110 km/h, that doesn’t mean you should if the road is icy or snow-covered.
• Avoid sudden moves by anticipating turns or lane changes. Abrupt changes in direction or slamming on the brakes could cause you to spin out of control
• Unless travel is absolutely necessary, stay off the roads during major storms.
• Never use cruise control in winter conditions.
• When travelling on snowy roads, try driving outside of the previous tire tracks to give you some extra traction. This also helps when there are shiny ruts in the road.
• Signal well in advance of turning to give other motorists time to anticipate and react to your actions. Check your rear-view and side mirrors, and always shoulder check before changing lanes.
So plan ahead, take your time and have a safe Holiday Season!
