On Dec. 11 at 6:45 p.m., the Olds RCMP detachment was called to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the crossing light near the 46 Street and 54 Avenue intersection. The EMS and fire department were also present.
“As a result of the collision, there was a child pinned under the vehicle,” said Olds RCMP Cpl. Jay Peden.
The emergency services worked together to remove the child from under the vehicle. The child suffered minor injuries.
“As a result of the investigation, the teenage driver of the car was issued a traffic ticket for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk, with a specified fine of $575,” said Peden.
The driver was also ordered to appear before a judge in Didsbury court on Jan. 20.
During the period of Dec. 11 to Dec. 21, the Olds RCMP dealt with 17 other collisions.
“The majority of the collisions that we are seeing are attributed to driver error, or there has been a traffic offence committed, as well as the weather conditions are playing a role in that,” said Peden.
Olds RCMP reminds people to adjust their driving speed and pattern accordingly when the road and weather conditions are bad.
The posted speed limit is the maximum speed limit and it should only be reached when the road and weather conditions are such that it is a safe speed.
“Under the Traffic Safety Act and the regulations, there is a charge for unreasonable rate of speed,” said Peden.
“If we are out patrolling, and we see somebody drive too fast for the weather and road conditions, people can be charged with that as well.”
Yielding to emergency vehicles
Olds RCMP reminds people to pull over immediately and stop when an emergency vehicle, such as a police car, an ambulance or a fire truck, comes up behind them with lights and siren on.
“While speaking with the Olds fire department, and from previous personal experience, when emergency vehicles are en route to calls, be it a fire or a collision, we find that the general public is not getting out of the way of the emergency vehicles,” said Peden.
“In consultation with fire chief Lorne Thompson, we have let the fire department know that if they start recording licence plate numbers, we will issue tickets through the mail to the registered owner of the motor vehicle.”
According to Peden, the fire truck had problems accessing the semi on fire on Imperial Close last Tuesday, because drivers were going there to see what was happening.
“These people are putting everyone at risk: the public, the emergency workers, the other cars and trucks,” said Peden.
