RCMP Enforces Tow Ban on QEII Highway as Winter Storm Creates Hazardous Driving Conditions
In response to severe winter weather, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has issued a tow ban for the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, stretching from Edmonton to north of Red Deer. This measure, implemented on Tuesday, aims to protect both tow operators and the public from the dangers posed by blowing and drifting snow, which has drastically reduced visibility and led to multiple minor collisions in the area.
Dangerous Conditions Prompt Uncommon Safety Measure
Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, public information officer for the RCMP Central Alberta district, emphasized that the hazardous driving conditions make tow operations too risky. "Blowing and drifting snow is causing reduced visibility and dangerous driving conditions that make tow operations too dangerous. Police are responding to several minor collisions in the area," he stated. The RCMP is strongly advising motorists to avoid travel until weather conditions improve.
While only Alberta Transportation has the authority to close roads for weather-related reasons, the RCMP can enforce a tow ban as a critical safety tool. Savinkoff noted that such bans are not common but are necessary on high-traffic routes like the QEII, where incidents often result in numerous vehicles ending up in ditches. "It's something that we don't do too often, but certainly it's something that they have in their toolbox along the QE2 in particular, where we see just a lot of traffic," he explained.
Historical Precedent and Ongoing Weather Concerns
The decision to issue the tow ban is informed by past incidents, such as one on December 18, 2025, near Airdrie, where approximately a hundred vehicles were stranded on the highway and in ditches during foul weather. Savinkoff described such situations as akin to rescue operations, especially when combined with extreme cold, raising concerns for occupants who may be trapped for hours on impassable roads.
Compounding the current situation, forecasts predict continued cold temperatures and snowfall across the province, with temperatures expected to remain below the double-digit negative mark for the upcoming week. This persistent harsh weather underscores the urgency of the RCMP's warnings and the tow ban.
Safety Recommendations for Motorists
For those who must travel despite the adverse conditions, the RCMP offers several safety tips:
- Check Alberta 511 for the latest road condition updates before departing.
- Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas to handle winter travel demands.
- Pack emergency supplies, including blankets, cold-weather gear, and other essentials to stay warm if stranded.
- If traveling in areas under a tow ban, make alternative arrangements for transportation and notify a tow company to retrieve your vehicle once conditions improve. "They will flag your vehicle and they will ensure that they pick it up once things clear up," Savinkoff assured.
The RCMP's proactive measures highlight the serious risks associated with winter driving in Alberta and serve as a reminder for all motorists to prioritize safety during inclement weather.
