Collision statistics - 4 p.m.

Ten injury and 133 non-injury collisions were reported to the Calgary Police Service between 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9 and 4 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013. By comparison, six injury and 103 non-injury collisions were reported to the CPS during the same time period last Wednesday, Jan. 2 to Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013.

Please note we are only able to report the number of collisions reported to police during this time period, but the collisions may have occurred on another date. Citizens involved in collisions this morning may also not yet have reported the damage to police. It would be inaccurate to report them as the number of collisions occurring during the timeframe provided.

Police are offering the following winter driving tips:

Before your journey

Plan your journey ahead and try to stay on main roads.
Check the weather conditions before you leave and always allow extra time for your journey.
Make sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice – not only is it dangerous, but it could result in a $115 ticket.
Uncleared snow could also fall off your vehicle and hit the vehicle behind or distract other drivers.

When driving

Drive according to the road conditions. Just because the speed is posted at 100 km per hour does not mean you have to go that fast.
Always leave a safe gap between you and other vehicles. That way you will have plenty of time to react should anything happen…the ‘two second’ rule is always a good idea.
Pay particular attention at intersections. Snow often melts under the exhausts of vehicles and then re-freezes making it icy and difficult to stop.
Take extra care when travelling over bridges where black ice can form.
Avoid any sudden manoeuvres such as braking, accelerating or sharp turns.
If the conditions are too treacherous, turn back or find safety quickly.

General

Make sure your vehicle is well maintained. Top up your washer fluid and make sure your wiper blades are in good working order.
Winter tires are recommended, but remember, they are not miracle workers – you still need to drive carefully and follow the advice already provided.
Regardless of what tires you have, make sure they are in good condition.
Conditions can change in a heartbeat, so make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter and you have an emergency and First Aid kit with you at all times (see www.ama.ab.cafor more details).
If you are driving a truck, make sure there is plenty of weight in the back so you maintain traction with the road.
If you are going on a long or unplanned journey, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to get there.