Recently, I witnessed a three-vehicle, broadside traffic collision on my way to work.
While Lloydminster sees far too many crashes, this scene showed both the best and worst of our community.
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I was heartened to see several people stop to help those involved. However, it was disappointing to see other motorists driving dangerously close to the wreckage, and one witness yelling at a driver.
If you encounter a collision, please keep these safety tips in mind:
Clear the way: Move your vehicle well away from the scene. Emergency responders need significant space to work. Managing uninvolved bystanders distracts them from focusing 100 per cent on life-saving tasks.
Reposition safely: If you used your vehicle to block a lane and alert others, move it to a safe spot once emergency crews arrive.
Identify yourself: If you witnessed the crash, stay to provide your contact information or a statement to responders.
Call it in: If you cannot physically assist, you can still help by calling 911 with specific details.
Prioritize safety: If the crash is minor and vehicles are drivable, move them to a safe area to exchange information. If there are injuries or blocked lanes, call 911 immediately.
Don’t “rubberneck”: For other motorists, gawking is a high-risk behaviour. Focus entirely on navigating the area safely.
At the scene I witnessed, some drivers appeared more upset by the inconvenience than the tragedy. Furthermore, the witness who chose to swear at a driver only added to the chaos. Drivers are often in shock; they need calm, not escalation.
I was incredibly grateful when first responders arrived to take over. By staying calm and staying clear, we can all help them do their jobs more effectively.
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
This column was originally published in the April 2, 2026, digital edition of the Meridian Source.
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