The Alberta RCMP is urging drivers to heed travel warnings after responding to 149 collisions last night during the winter storm, including 71 reported collisions in Central Alberta.
"When it is advised to not travel, please take this advice," stated an RCMP press release on Jan. 17.
"You are not only putting your own life at risk, but also risking other lives, including all first responders. Please drive responsibly and safely."
During the evening of Jan. 16, Alberta RCMP issued warnings for motorists to stay off the roads, as bad weather caused driving conditions to be treacherous. RCMP responded to numerous reports of motor vehicle collisions all over the province, the majority of which were in Central Alberta.
From 12 p.m. on Jan. 16, to 8 a.m. on Jan. 17, RCMP received the following reports of collisions:
- Central Alberta District: 71 reported collisions (3 injury, 68 property damage)
- Eastern Alberta District: 28 reported collisions (all property damage)
- Southern Alberta District: 24 reported collision (1 injury, 23 property damage)
- Western Alberta District: 26 reported collisions (2 injury, 24 property damage)
RCMP stated numbers will increase over the next few days as reports continue to come in to various detachments.