October Collision Review and Road Safety Tips

Based on the data collected for the month of October, the majority of the collisions are occurring between 8am and 5pm, on the Trans Canada Highway, and in the Dunmore Road area. 26% of collisions are occurred while drivers are backing up, 16% were side-swipe crashes, 16% were a result of following too closely, and 11% occurred while driving too fast for the road conditions. The other 33% of crashes were caused by left turn-across the path of another vehicle, right angle crashes, and other types of crashes not previously listed. Nearly 50% of the 43 injury crashes in October were rear end crashes.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

With winter fast approaching, the Medicine Hat Police Service reminds drivers to allow increased following distances between themselves and the vehicles in front of them. Poor road conditions affect the stopping distances for all vehicles, including four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Please allow extra time to
scrape ALL of your vehicle’s windows properly. An obscured windshield or window can greatly increase the risk of a collision, and could result in a $115.00 fine. It is recommended that driver’s prepare their vehicles early for winter, ensuring they have sufficient tread on their tires, and their vehicles are mechanically sound.