Police are asking residents to take extra winter driving precautions following a large number of vehicle collisions over the past week.
A press release from the OPP’s Western Region office stated the OPP responded to 248 collisions from 6am to 1pm on Nov. 17.
“If there is a silver lining to any of these preventable crashes, it is that there have been no serious injuries or fatalities reported,” the press release stated. “This does not however diminish the demand that this puts on emergency services everywhere.”
Police continued, “The common denominators in today’s crashes have been speed too fast for road and weather conditions, following too close and failure to have suitable winter tires on.”
Locally, the Wellington County OPP detachment was reminding motorists to be prepared for winter driving after its officers responded to 23 collisions within a 12-hour period on Nov. 13 during “the first dusting” of snow.
“I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come,” said Wellington County OPP Inspector Scott Lawson. “This many collisions (two of which resulted in personal injury) on the first day of the 2014-15 winter season is problematic.”
Lawson noted drivers need to recognize and make the necessary adjustments in their driving habits now.
“Rushing, following too close, sudden braking and quick steering inputs could lead to disastrous consequences” he said. “We also want to ensure first responders remain safe when they investigate these preventable collisions.”
Police have offered the following safety tips for drivers:
– keep an eye on the weather and if travel is not required, stay home;
– winter-ready the vehicle;
– plan trips and check weather conditions;
– notify a family member or friend of destination and potential arrival time;
– slow down and create distance between vehicles;
– do not pass winter maintenance vehicles;
– always have extra windshield fluid on hand and at least a half a tank of gas;
– take the time the clear the vehicle of snow and ice;
– have an emergency kit (battery jumper cables, first aid kit, shovel, multi-tool, blanket, extra clothing, high calorie non-perishable food supply, flashlight, cell phone, etc.); and
– check the Ministry of Transportation website for road conditions (do not call 911 or the OPP for road reports – instead log on to www.mto.on.ca).
