Edmonton’s first major snowfall: nearly 400 collisions reported so far

Edmonton police say 383 people reported collisions Wednesday – between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. – as the city deals with its first significant snowfall of the season.

The collision numbers are coming from the newly launched Collision Reporting Centres.

Police say 177 people reported collisions at the South CRC, while another 206 reported collisions at the North CRC.

The new reporting centres opened this year for Edmontonians to report collisions – instead of at a police station.

Edmonton resident Michelle LaPage was one of the unlucky ones to get into an accident Wednesday morning.

“You never really expect to have your day start off with an accident,” LaPage told CityNews. “I’ve been living here my whole life, and still surprises me that first day of the snow, drivers aren’t careful.

“They ran a red light while I was taking a left turn and hit me straight on. This is a bit of a shock but I guess I’m safe, so that’s the best thing that I can hope for.”

Damaged vehicle during Edmonton’s first major snowfall of the year on Nov. 2, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Jonas Gilbart)

Edmonton police Sgt. Kerry Bates says the most important thing is for drivers to slow down.

“You just have to take that responsibility on yourself to slow down and drive to the conditions. If you’re a new driver, drive to your experience, your expertise. Don’t keep up with traffic if it’s beyond your capabilities, you don’t feel safe doing that.”

In an evening press release, Edmonton police reminded drivers to be careful.

“Road conditions remain poor throughout the Edmonton area, thus motorists are advised to only travel in the city if absolutely necessary this evening.

“If you are planning to be on the roads this evening, please slow down, give yourself extra time to get to your destination and drive with extreme caution near road crews and first responders out on the roads tonight.”

—With files from Jonas Gilbart