MEDICINE HAT, AB — Mother Nature’s winter wrath wreaked havoc on the morning commute in southern Alberta.
Three buses weren’t running in the Prairie Rose School Division because of the conditions.
Hills and bridges inside the city became icy and semi-trailers had a hard time in and around the Kin Coulee dip.
Snow started falling in the early hours on Friday and drivers had a hard time navigating the roads, especially along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Police say they had 17 collisions reported between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.
Traffic sergeant Clarke White said many drivers he dealt with weren’t prepared for the winter road conditions.
Tires were bare, which meant drivers didn’t have much traction or control and White said if that’s a contributing factor in a crash, the driver can be fined.
“Something that people can be held responsible for under the traffic safety act and ensuring your vehicle is ready for the road under all conditions and if you’re going to be driving in these conditions, they’ve got to be ready for it,” White said. “Monitor your tire tread, one of those things you’ve got to watch for.”
Of the 17 collisions reported, no injuries were reported.
