A new online reporting tool is now available for drivers involved in a collision in Grande Prairie. The City of Grande Prairie and Accident Support Services International Ltd. have launched “Start From Home”, which allows drivers to initiate a report to the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) from a smartphone or computer.

Drivers can now visit cityofgp.com/collisionreporting, click on “Start From Home” under the Collision Reporting Centre information, fill out the required information and provide a written statement from their home, vehicle or while waiting at the CRC. Once completed, they’ll be given a reference number to bring into the CRC at the Eastlink Centre within 24 hours so documents can be verified and the final details of the report finished.

The goal of Start From Home is to reduce wait times by allowing drivers to complete up to 85 per cent of a collision report in advance of visiting the CRC. Under Alberta law, any collision involving injuries or total damages exceeding $5,000 must be reported to the police.

"The City of Grande Prairie and ASSI value being able to provide an even more convenient and streamlined process for collision reporting with the addition of Start From Home," says Managing Director of Grande Prairie Enforcement Services Helen Napier. "This additional feature means fewer worries for drivers involved in a collision."

"In the weeks since we began using Start From Home at the Collision Reporting Centre, we have already noticed shorter lines and reduced wait times," says Accident Support Services International Manager Lisa Schettle. "We're grateful to have the already stressful situation of a collision made a little less stressful for drivers."

For more information on collision reporting in Grande Prairie, visit cityofgp.com/collisionreporting.