LPS and LFES working together to encourage safety after minor vehicle collisions

In a joint effort to improve safety, ease traffic congestion, and support efficient emergency response, the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) are issuing a reminder to the community about what to do following a minor motor vehicle collision.

"As first responders, our teams have recently encountered several close calls when vehicles involved in collisions were left in live traffic lanes," said Platoon Chief Shawn Folk of LFES. "Those incidents highlighted the need to engage with our community directly and explain how motorists can help keep everyone safe—including first responders—by taking the right steps after a crash."

Unless injuries are reported, public property is damaged, or there is ongoing danger, emergency services are generally not dispatched to minor collisions. In such cases, drivers are encouraged to follow these simple but critical steps:

1. Prioritize safety
   • Check on everyone involved to ensure no one is hurt. If there are any injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately for medical assistance.
     
     
2. Clear the road
   • If your vehicle can be safely driven, move it to an area of safety (a nearby parking lot, side street, or shoulder).
   • This reduces the risk of additional collisions, keeps traffic flowing and ensures emergency services can access the scene if needed.
     
     
3. Collect and exchange information
   • Personal Information: Names, phone numbers, addresses, and driver’s licence numbers for everyone involved, including any witnesses.
   • Vehicle Information: Licence plate numbers, as well as the make, model, year and colour of each vehicle.
   • Insurance Information: Insurance provider and policy number.
   • Collision Details: Time, date, and exact location of the incident.
     
     
4.  Report the collision
   • If the combined damage appears to be more than $5,000, attend the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) at the Lethbridge Police Station as soon as possible. You can begin the process online at https://reportacollision.accsupport.com/ and complete it in person at the CRC.
   • If the combined damage appears to be less than $5,000, contact your insurance company to discuss your options.
   • Note: You must report the collision in the jurisdiction where it took place.
     
     

“Of course, when there’s a dangerous situation – like an injury or an impaired driver – it’s important that people call 9-1-1 and get the help they need as quickly as possible,” said Sergeant Tony Ramotowski of the LPS Traffic Response Unit. “But for minor collisions, we're asking people to help us keep traffic flowing and improve overall safety for everyone by knowing the proper steps to take.”