As winter weather affects road safety, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Essex County are urging drivers to exercise caution. On Sunday, during the first significant snowfall of the year, OPP responded to an alarming 20 vehicle collisions within just five hours.
Winter Driving Warnings Following 20 Collisions
The spike in accidents was attributed to hazardous driving conditions caused by snowfall. Fortunately, none of the incidents resulted in serious injuries, although two police officers were treated for minor injuries after their cruiser was rear-ended while they provided emergency lighting at one of the scenes.
Advice for Safe Winter Driving
In light of these incidents, OPP are emphasizing essential safety measures for winter driving. Motorists are strongly advised to:
- Reduce speed based on weather conditions and visibility.
- Increase following distances to allow adequate braking space.
- Plan for extra travel time to reach destinations safely.
- Install winter tires and have them re-torqued after approximately 100 kilometers.
In the event of a collision, OPP recommend that drivers:
- Stay calm and check for any injuries.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured and able to do so.
- Contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 for non-injury incidents.
- Remain inside the vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so.
As weather conditions can change rapidly, the OPP’s message is clear: prioritize safety while driving this winter.
