Alberta RCMP are reminding drivers to slow down and drive to road conditions after a police vehicle responding to a collision was struck.
On December 3, just before 11 p.m., a member of Leduc RCMP responded to a single vehicle crash on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway. According to police, the vehicle struck the wire barrier in the centre median.
The police were parked with its emergency lights on when a passing semi-truck hit the police car on the driver’s side, and even hit the vehicle involved in the first crash.
The responding officer and the driver from the first vehicle were in the police car during the time of the crash. Both of them were taken to hospital with minor injuries and were later released.
The 47-year-old driver of the semi-truck was not injured and has been charged with careless driving.
“First responders are in a high-risk situation when they’re parked roadside, particularly when road and traffic conditions are treacherous,” said Constable Cheri-Lee Smith with Leduc RCMP. “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.”
RCMP would like to remind drivers of the importance of safe winter driving. Drivers should pay attention to the road conditions and slow down if necessary.