Drivers have been slipping and sliding on the roads in St. Albert after freezing rain blanketed the city this week.
On Wednesday the RCMP reported 10 collisions, which occurred mostly during the morning and evening commutes.
Cpl. Morgan Kyle, spokesperson for St. Albert RCMP, said this is a big increase compared to the number of collisions they normally see in the city.
“Certainly it was a busier day and [it was] concentrated around commute time,” Kyle said.
Kyle said the collisions were mostly minor and she isn’t aware of any major injuries, although a vehicle did drive into a building in St. Albert.
When the conditions get icy, Kyle said drivers should stay home if possible and if you must travel, it is best to adjust your schedule and drive later in the day, “[after] the crews have been out for a while and the roads are a little bit better maintained ...” Kyle said.
It is also important to drive to the conditions, Kyle said. On a super icy day, drivers should travel more slowly than the speed limit.
“You need to slow down and give yourself lots and lots of distance between, you know, yourself and the vehicle in front of you,” Kyle said, adding it's best to not react suddenly, as giving extra distance ensures drivers aren’t having to slam on their breaks.
Leave early, with lots of extra time to get to a destination, Kyle said.
Winter tires can also help drivers stay safe.
“If you can, investing in winter tires is always a really good idea, just because the off seasons are not made for our lovely Canadian winters with the colder weather.”
