CALGARY – Driving while sleepy lead to a chain reaction of accidents over the weekend on Alberta highways. The sleepy driver has been charged as a result. On Saturday, August 24, 2013, members of the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) were dispatched to two separate single vehicle collisions in the northbound lanes of the QEII just south of Didsbury.
The first collision involved a white 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck that careened into the cable barrier in the center median. The driver of the truck, a 36-year old male from Seattle, Washington, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was uninjured in the collision.
The driver appears to have fallen asleep while driving, and was subsequently charged under the Traffic Safety Act.
The second collision occurred as a result of the traffic congestion caused by the first collision.
A grey Chevrolet Silverado pulling a holiday trailer was traveling northbound on Highway 2, and was unable to stop safely for heavy traffic at the first collision scene.
As a result, the driver of the Silverado swerved into the east ditch to avoid colliding with the vehicle ahead, at which time the travel trailerrolled over onto its side.
Neither the male driver nor the female passenger in the Silverado were injured.
Traffic in both directions on Highway 2 at the collision location were reduced to one lane for approximately 90 minutes to allow first and recovery crews to clear the scene of debris.
Integrated Traffic Units consist of RCMP Traffic Services members and Sheriff Highway Patrol officers working together in a collaborative effort to deliver effective and efficient traffic safety services to Albertans, with a focus on identified enforcement priorities.
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