Alberta RCMP remind drivers to slow down and drive to road conditions after a police vehicle responding to a collision was struck.

RCMP are reminding motorists of the importance of safe winter driving with winter weather upon us, making driving conditions more challenging. 

Drivers should pay attention to road conditions and slow down if necessary. 

A member of the RCMP Traffic in Leduc responded to a single vehicle collision on the QEII northbound at Highway 616 where a vehicle struck the wire barrier in the centre median. 

The police vehicle was parked with its emergency lights activated in the fast lane when a passing semi-truck struck both the police vehicle on the driver’s side as well as the vehicle involved in the first collision.

rcmpLeduc RCMP vehicle damaged while responding to earlier crash on QE II (photo supplied)

The responding officer was sitting inside the cruiser speaking with the driver of the vehicle involved in the initial crash when his vehicle was struck. 

The officer and 27-year-old male passenger were both transported to hospital with minor injuries and later released. 

RCMPLeduc RCMP vehicle damaged while responding to earlier crash on QE II (photo supplied)

The 47-year-old male driver of the semi-truck was not injured and was issued a ticket for driving carelessly under the Traffic Safety Act.

RCMPLeduc RCMP vehicle damaged while responding to earlier crash on QE II (photo supplied)

"First responders are in a high-risk situation when they’re parked roadside, particularly when road and traffic conditions are treacherous", said Cst. Cheri-Lee Smith, Leduc RCMP Public Information Officer. "As first responders, we have bright red and blue emergency lights to assist in ensuring our safety and those around us. But other vehicles don’t have that extra safety measure."

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