The snowfall last week resulted in far too many accidents on Highway 97 and in Summerland.
Last Thursday, from around 2:30 p.m. until midnight, police were called to 10 accidents in and near Summerland.
Firefighters had to remove five people trapped in their vehicles.
The number of accidents which occurred on this single day is disturbing.
Winter in Canada means snowy conditions, and in the Okanagan Valley, wet snow and mountain roads can result in dangerous driving conditions.
Over the past year, emergency workers have been called to numerous accidents, some of them serious, in and around Summerland.
Many accidents during 2015 occurred during daylight hours, when the roads were dry and when visibility was good. These are ideal driving conditions.
While summer traffic is heavy on Highway 97, the road is not inherently dangerous.
The accidents, whether single vehicles in the ditch or collisions, should prompt all motorists to think about road safety.
Even under the best conditions, a driver’s mistake can have tragic consequences.
Winter conditions require extra care and attention.
The Environment Canada forecast for Summerland calls for a chance of snow on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. This means driving conditions may not be all that good.
Slippery roads and poor visibility are serious factors which must be considered at this time of the year.
Now, more than ever, it is important to pay attention, drive carefully and slow down or stay off the roads entirely when the conditions are not safe.
A careless mistake or a mishap on an icy road could mar Christmas celebrations.